Industrial Assistance Systems to Enhance Human–Machine Interaction and Operator’s Capabilities in Assembly

Abstract

In the context of digitalization and Industry 4.0, the world of work is changing comprehensively. Smaller lot sizes and increasing variability of products in the modern industrial production present new challenges for operators working in manual assembly. Industrial assistance systems help the worker during these production tasks to enhance their capabilities. The development of these systems is not only characterized by questions of the potential feasibility of new technical systems but also by the possibilities of a closer cooperation between humans and machines with the aim to synergize the outstanding abilities of humans with the special features of machines to bring together the best from both worlds. This chapter presents solutions for human–machine interaction and automation and delivers insight into different possibilities to enhance the various types of operator’s skills in industrial assembly. With this knowledge, each worker can be individually equipped with suitable supporting systems in order to be best prepared for future challenges in the daily production.

Towards Industry 5.0: Augmented Reality Assistance Systems for People-Centred Digitalisation and Smart Manufacturing

“…To date, there are major gaps in the literature on methods and approaches to exploit AR systems' capabilities and emerging sensing and monitoring technologies to capture accurate data and develop data-driven systems considering factors beyond process performance, i.e., HOW factors (cognitive, physical, feelings and emotions), and beyond such as inclusivity and equity factors [7].…”

“…Other research topics have been emerging with the aim to embed humans into the thinking of CPS. Relevant work on humans and CPS and automation can be found in [6] and a throughout understanding of industrial assistance systems and the impacts in human-machine interaction is provided in [7].…”

“…Within the family of industrial assistance systems (IAS) and immersive technologies, augmented reality (AR) assistance systems (ARAS) represent a core technology that have gained research traction to improve manufacturing practices including operators' training, assembly guidance, maintenance and repair [8] [9]. IAS and technologies aim to improve process efficiencies and right first time by enabling operators to perform tasks with minimal effort through physical, sensorial and cognitive assistance [7]. However, there are major gaps in understanding the impact of such technologies on human operator wellbeing factors (HOW), which have been a major barrier to develop effective humancentric manufacturing solutions.…”