Physical Ergonomic Improvement and Safe Design of an Assembly Workstation through Collaborative Robotics

Colim, Ana; Faria, Carlos; Cunha, João Geraldo Martins da; Oliveira, João; Sousa, Nuno; Rocha, L. A.

doi:10.3390/safety7010014

Cited by 28 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…In order to accomplish the safest working conditions, E&HF must be considered as a requirement in the implementation of collaborative systems [14]. E&HF focuses on eliminating harmful and unsafe work practices in an industrial environment and aims to study human capabilities and limitations, and uses this knowledge to adapt the work to the worker while minimizing fatigue [15,16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ergonomics and Human Factors as a Requirement to Implement Safer Collaborative Robotic Workstations: A Literature Review

Cardoso

Colim²,

Bicho

et al. 2021

Safety

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There is a worldwide interest in implementing collaborative robots (Cobots) to reduce work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) risk. While prior work in this field has recognized the importance of considering Ergonomics & Human Factors (E&HF) in the design phase, most works tend to highlight workstations’ improvements due to Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). Based on a literature review, the current study summarises studies where E&HF was considered a requirement rather than an output. In this article, the authors are interested in understanding the existing studies focused on Cobots’ implementation with ergonomic requirements, and the methods applied to design safer collaborative workstations. This review was performed in four prominent publications databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Google Scholar, searching for the keywords ‘Collaborative robots’ or ‘Cobots’ or ‘HRC’ and ‘Ergonomics’ or ‘Human factors’. Based on the inclusion criterion, 20 articles were reviewed, and the main conclusions of each are provided. Additionally, the focus was given to the segmentation between studies considering E&HF during the design phase of HRC systems and studies applying E&HF in real-time on HRC systems. The results demonstrate the novelty of this topic, especially of the real-time applications of ergonomics as a requirement. Globally, the results of the reviewed studies showed the potential of E&HF requirements integrated into HRC systems as a relevant input for reducing WMSD risk.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ergonomics and Human Factors as a Requirement to Implement Safer Collaborative Robotic Workstations: A Literature Review

Cardoso

Colim²,

Bicho

et al. 2021

Safety

Self Cite

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“…Among human factors, emotional and cognitive aspects were found to be crucial for HRC e ciency. Colim et al [27] established guidelines for designing safe and ergonomic collaborative workstations. In a repetitive and hazardous assembly task, cobots can be used to reduce potential risks to the operator and enhance humans' well-being.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Manual assembly and Human-Robot Collaboration in repetitive assembly processes: a structured comparison based on human-centered performances

Gervasi¹,

Capponi²,

Mastrogiacomo³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) represents an innovative solution able to enhance quality and adaptability of production processes. In a collaborative process, man and robot cooperate symbiotically. However, to fully exploit the benefits of HRC, human factors must be taken into account. A novel experimental setting involving a repetitive assembly process is presented to investigate the effects of prolonged HRC on user experience and performance. Each participant was involved in two 4-hours shifts: a manual assembly setting and a HRC assembly setting. The response variables collected in the study include the perceived workload, self-reported affective state, perceived body discomfort, physiological indicators of stress (heart rate variability and electrodermal activity), and process defectiveness. The experimental results showed reduced mental effort and fewer process defects in the HRC setting, highlighting how collaborative robotics can also support humans from a cognitive point of view.

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“…In assembly manufacturing, the ergonomic assessment of working postures is essential for preventing WMSD risk factors [11,25,26]. XSens Technologies B.V. recently developed an algorithm that incorporates motion data and calculates the RULA score [25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This computation tool, called the RULA report, was previously applied to support the design phase of the human-robot collaboration assembly workstation. In our previous study [26], we tested different workbench configurations in a laboratory context; the RULA report helped select the optimal ergonomic configuration for the wrist-hand system. However, it became necessary to assess the ergonomic suitability of the workstation installed on the shop floor since it was created for workers with musculoskeletal disorders.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digitalization of Musculoskeletal Risk Assessment in a Robotic-Assisted Assembly Workstation

Colim

Cardoso

Arezes

et al. 2021

Safety

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The ergonomic assessment of adopted working postures is essential for avoiding musculoskeletal risk factors in manufacturing contexts. Several observational methods based on external analyst observations are available; however, they are relatively subjective and suffer low repeatability. Over the past decade, the digitalization of this assessment has received high research interest. Robotic applications have the potential to lighten workers’ workload and improve working conditions. Therefore, this work presents a musculoskeletal risk assessment before and after robotic implementation in an assembly workstation. We also emphasize the importance of using novel and non-intrusive technologies for musculoskeletal risk assessment. A kinematic study was conducted using inertial motion units (IMU) in a convenience sample of two workers during their normal performance of assembly work cycles. The musculoskeletal risk was estimated according to a semi-automated solution, called the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) report. Based on previous musculoskeletal problems reported by the company, the assessment centered on the kinematic analysis of functional wrist movements (flexion/extension, ulnar/radial deviation, and pronation/supination). The results of the RULA report showed a reduction in musculoskeletal risk using robotic-assisted assembly. Regarding the kinematic analysis of the wrist during robotic-assisted tasks, a significant posture improvement of 20–45% was registered (considering the angular deviations relative to the neutral wrist position). The results obtained by direct measurements simultaneously reflect the workload and individual characteristics. The current study highlights the importance of an in-field instrumented assessment of musculoskeletal risk and the limitations of the system applied (e.g., unsuitable for tracking the motion of small joints, such as the fingers).

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Physical Ergonomic Improvement and Safe Design of an Assembly Workstation through Collaborative Robotics

Cited by 28 publications

References 36 publications

Ergonomics and Human Factors as a Requirement to Implement Safer Collaborative Robotic Workstations: A Literature Review

Ergonomics and Human Factors as a Requirement to Implement Safer Collaborative Robotic Workstations: A Literature Review

Manual assembly and Human-Robot Collaboration in repetitive assembly processes: a structured comparison based on human-centered performances

Digitalization of Musculoskeletal Risk Assessment in a Robotic-Assisted Assembly Workstation

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