Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering

Design of an intelligent workplace system for human-machine-interaction in the digitized industry

Joint Event on 2^nd International Conference on Advanced Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence & 3^rd International Conference on Design & Production Engineering

December 03-04, 2018 | Valencia, Spain

Johanna Ender

Liverpool John Moores University, UK
Hochschule Wismar University of Applied Sciences Technology Business and Design, Germany

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Appl Mech Eng

Abstract:

Modern industry workplaces include operators working intensely using computers, robots and autonomously operating machines. Tasks including human-machine interaction (HMI) are increasingly integrated into the work process. The work ranges of robots and operators in manual assembly and maintenance are progressively fusing ??? the coexistence will move towards human-robot collaboration (HRC). Consequently, the higher dynamics of processes in the digitized industry include additional stress factors and offers new challenges: HMI can result in cognitive overload of the worker due to the interpretation of multiple signals and therefore lead to a high risk of exhaustion. Furthermore, there are strong barriers to working with a robot colleague. To increase the acceptance of HRC and to reduce the strain of the worker, user-centered needs have to be sufficiently considered. However, workplaces for HMI are widely developed from a technology-centric perspective. The design research will close this gap by developing a novel holistic method for the design of industrial workplaces. Accordingly, the study places great emphasis on understanding of human factors in terms of its physical, cognitive and organizational limitations and their applications to industrial design. The workbench system includes a novel interface directing working tasks to the worker within the networked plant. Derived from the existing Pick-by-Light framework ??? where operators are directed to particular stock areas via light signals ??? the approach, named Work-by-Light, utilizes light displays to support the operators solving particular working tasks in collaboration with a robot. In particular, areas of interaction, like the supply and removal of work pieces through the robot, are highlighted as well as instructions for the assembly are communicated. Light signals inside the surface of the table are reduced to the minimum of information to support the rapid processing of the instruction through the worker. Consequently, the intuitive utilization of the interface reduces strain in HRC. It will be exemplified how the system can support the worker during maintenance and manufacturing of airplanes. Therefore, explorative testing of a conceptual prototype by potential users is planned.

Recent Publications

1. Blauhut Daniela (2015) Handheld devices for use within integrated operations in the petroleum industry. Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

2. Braseth, Alf Ove. (2015), Information-Rich Design: A Concept for Large-Screen Display Graphics: Design Principles and Graphic Elements for Real-World Complex Processes.

3. Endsley Mica R and Jones Debra G (2011) Designing for Situation Awareness: An Approach to User-Centered Design, Second Edition. Taylor & Francis. ISBN:978-14200-635-54.

4. Norman Don (2013) The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition. Publishing Source. ISBN 978-0- 46505-065-9.

5. Asghar Usman et al. (2018) Wireless Pick-by-Light: Usability of LPWAN to Achieve a Flexible Warehouse Logistics Infrastructure. In: Dynamics in Logistics. Springer. Pages:278-283.

Biography :

Johanna Ender passed her graduation as a Diploma Designer (FH) for Product Design (2017) with distinction from the Hochschule Wismar University of Applied Sciences Technology, Business and Design. She has started her international and interdisciplinary PhD research in June 2017 at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of Liverpool John Moores University in cooperation with the Hochschule Wismar University. She received the Gottlob Frege Price 2017 for her final thesis, which was developed in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IGP, Rostock (Germany). A study project about a robot integration into a kitchen furniture was awarded with the Anja Schaible Price 2017 at the Living Kitchen (event), Cologne (Germany). She spent a pre-study practical in Tasmania. While studying, she developed a patent for a household appliance (DE 102015210996A1) for the Corporate Brand Siemens/Design of the BSH Hausgeräte GmbH within an internship. For her work as a designer, she was awarded as German Design Award Nominee 2018.

E-mail: johanna-ender@gmx.de