Optimizing makespan and ergonomics in integrating collaborative robots into manufacturing processes

Abstract

As collaborative robots begin to appear on factory floors, there is a need to consider how these robots can best help their human partners. In this paper, we propose an optimization framework that generates task assignments and schedules for a human-robot team with the goal of improving both time and ergonomics and demonstrate its use in six real-world manufacturing processes that are currently performed manually. Using the strain index method to quantify human physical stress, we create a set of solutions with assigned priorities on each goal. The resulting schedules provide engineers with insight into selecting the appropriate level of compromise and integrating the robot in a way that best fits the needs of an individual process.

DOI: 10.1109/TASE.2018.2789820

BibTex

@article{Pearce_2018,
	doi = {10.1109/tase.2018.2789820},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.1109%2Ftase.2018.2789820},
	year = 2018,
	month = {oct},
	publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ({IEEE})},
	volume = {15},
	number = {4},
	pages = {1772--1784},
	author = {Margaret Pearce and Bilge Mutlu and Julie Shah and Robert Radwin},
	title = {Optimizing Makespan and Ergonomics in Integrating Collaborative Robots Into Manufacturing Processes},
	journal = {{IEEE} Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering}
}