Cognitive automation in assembly systems for mass customization
Paper i proceeding, 2011
Manufacturing industry is struggling with high demands on mass
customization, shortened product life cycles, and consequences of
globalized production. Further, new products must address sustainability
factors, which adds to the complexity of production and final assembly
systems. Product developers as well as assembly operators must deal with
emerging information and communication needs. This will require new
cognitive ergonomic design solutions regarding presentation and
communication of information to and from operators in final assembly.
This paper describes a case study in a manual assembly context, within the
Swedish automotive industry. The aim was to examine how information flows
affects operators working in mixed-model assembly systems. Information
and communication flows were mapped and task allocation assessments,
including measuring and analysis of cognitive levels of automation, were
made.
Results indicate a need to increase cognitive automation, to better support
assembly operators. This can be accomplished through task-based
information, presented when and where the operator needs it. In this case
solved by presenting qualitative information on a mobile communication
device. The proposed solution will reduce perceived complexity, adding to
the flexibility of final assembly in future assembly systems mass customized.
Cognitive Automation
Assembly Systems
Task based information