Adaptive assembly systems for enabling agile assembly – Empirical analysis focusing on cognitive worker assistance

Abstract

Hybrid assembly systems combine the advantages of automated assembly solutions with the cognitive abilities of humans to make assembly more flexible while efficient. Adaptive systems in this context enlarge the scope in which the division of tasks between human and machine can be varied. These systems are an enabling factor for agile assembly since highly situation-aware technologies allow quick reaction in volatile assembly situations. This research focuses on the main opportunities and implementation obstacles of adaptive assembly systems in industrial practice. The results of an empirical study, focusing on cognitive worker assistance, with 132 participants from manufacturing companies, are presented in this paper. Main findings show that the introduction of adaptive worker assistance solutions requires extensive modifications of IT infrastructure. Besides an increase in flexibility, an enlarged potential for the improvement of worker training processes is expected.