Enhancing Worker Efficiency and Reducing Cognitive Workload Through Assistive Assembly: A Proof-of-Concept

Abstract: Nowadays, fast-paced and competitive industry, assembly tasks demand significant levels of concentration, precision, and cognitive effort. These challenges often result in mental fatigue, errors, and decreased efficiency among workers. The concept of Assistive Assembly offers a promising solution, harmonizing human dexterity with cutting-edge technology. By integrating ergonomics and robotics, Assistive Assembly has the potential to provide invaluable support to assembly line workers, enabling them to achieve peak performance effortlessly. This study presents a proof-of-concept approach for a future Assistive Assembly, simulating this condition with human-human collaboration. This preliminary step aims to support a human-centered design for an assembly workstation comprising a human worker, a collaborative robot, and a video camera system. A total of 25 participants were recruited to perform a simulated window assembly task under two conditions: Assistive and Non-assistive. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and the number of errors committed were measured. The subjects reported significantly lower perceived cognitive workloads in the assistive condition. Related to the number of errors, a significant difference in median test scores between the two conditions was found, meaning a decrease in errors registered in the assistive setting. Although these preliminary results are promising, further development and testing are essential to refine the Assistive Assembly concept within collaborative robotics settings.

Keywords: Ergonomics and Human Factors, Cognitive Workload, Assistive Assembly

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004557

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