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The purpose of this paper is to first review and then propose methods for determining the appropriate levels of automation for assembly operations. Based on a literature review in decision making methods, an evaluation against method requirements is made. The analysis shows that no single method fulfills all the defined requirements, yet two methods are identified that jointly address all the requirements: Boothroyd’s and Dewhurst (B&D) method and the Dynamo method. B&D and Dynamo methods are then combined into a new method, exploiting elements of each. An additional step for graphical modeling of the assembly processes using the Assembly Sequence Modeling Language (ASML) is integrated to facilitate alternative exploration. This newly proposed method is discussed and revealed promising in the field of assembly systems Level of Automation (LoA) measurement and improvement.

The aim of this research is to support assembly lines designers in conceiving new processes with optimal automation levels selection. Several alternatives with various automation options may exist. Graphic representations and analyses of the different designs are needed. The finality is to offer a quick, exhaustive, and reliable way of modelling alternatives based on a given product design. In this sense we propose a new assembly tasks vocabulary to be combined to an existing lower layer vocabulary of elementary motions and a graphic modelling language. These developments deal with an existing automation decision approach as an extension allowing to overcome identified gaps and to ease its implementation and computerization. The proposal facilitates assembly systems alternatives generation with automation options consideration based on an initial representation. The generated alternatives are then subject to further analyses with regard to automation criteria and performance indicators considering planned production targets.