Cognitive automation in assembly systems for mass customization

Abstract

Manufacturing industry is struggling with high demands on mass\ncustomization, shortened product life cycles, and consequences of\nglobalized production. Further, new products must address sustainability\nfactors, which adds to the complexity of production and final assembly\nsystems. Product developers as well as assembly operators must deal with\nemerging information and communication needs. This will require new\ncognitive ergonomic design solutions regarding presentation and\ncommunication of information to and from operators in final assembly.\nThis paper describes a case study in a manual assembly context, within the\nSwedish automotive industry. The aim was to examine how information flows\naffects operators working in mixed-model assembly systems. Information\nand communication flows were mapped and task allocation assessments,\nincluding measuring and analysis of cognitive levels of automation, were\nmade.\nResults indicate a need to increase cognitive automation, to better support\nassembly operators. This can be accomplished through task-based\ninformation, presented when and where the operator needs it. In this case\nsolved by presenting qualitative information on a mobile communication\ndevice. The proposed solution will reduce perceived complexity, adding to\nthe flexibility of final assembly in future assembly systems mass customized.