How humans and technology can be more productive in assembly

Human-centered automation How humans and technology can be more productive in assembly

2024-12-16 Source: Fraunhofer IWU | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

SMEs continue to face the challenge of finding suitable automation solutions for their production. Standard products often fail due to high costs. However, a project by Fraunhofer IWU demonstrates how hybrid assembly scenarios can meaningfully connect humans and technology.

The assembly of space-saving, modular bicycle garages can be intelligently automated.(Image: Fraunhofer IWU) — The assembly of space-saving, modular bicycle garages can be intelligently automated.
(Image: Fraunhofer IWU)

The core of the project is the development of semi-automated processes using the example of manufacturing bicycle garages. After a comprehensive needs analysis, the researchers implemented a hybrid solution that relieves employees of heavy physical tasks and creates space for more value-added activities. “Part of our work was conducting a cognitive task analysis, during which we observed the assembly process and conducted interviews with employees from various involved areas. In this way, we place employees who will later work with automation at the center of our work. It helps us to understand requirements for automation solutions and to identify potentials directly in the respective process,” says Isabel Kreißig from Fraunhofer IWU.

The approach follows the principles of Industry 5.0, which places humans and technology equally at the center. Stefan Ott, managing director of Mitras, praises the tailored work: “Often there is no perfectly fitting solution available on the market, so it was helpful for us to collaborate with Fraunhofer IWU. With the results, we were able to assess what could be sensibly automated and what effects working with a hybrid solution would have, including for the assembly workers.”

According to the researchers, Industry 5.0 consistently relies on the success factor of humans: Employees who contribute their skills and experiences to process design and can specifically shape automation solutions so that they significantly ease the specific tasks work much more productively. The structured collection of knowledge and skills formalizes know-how and secures it in terms of sustainable knowledge management, it continues. Parts of the knowledge can then be digitized and can, for example, help train new employees more quickly and provide precise support through assistance and worker guidance systems.

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