Complexity-based task allocation in human-robot collaborative assembly

Abstract

Purpose Over the past years, collaborative robots have been introduced as a new generation of industrial robotics working alongside humans to share the workload. These robots have the potential to enable human–robot collaboration (HRC) for flexible automation. However, the deployment of these robots in industrial environments, particularly in assembly, still comprises several challenges, of which one is skills-based tasks distribution between humans and robots. With ever-decreasing product life cycles and high-mix low volume production, the skills-based task distribution is to become a frequent activity. This paper aims to present a methodology for tasks distribution between human and robot in assembly work by complexity-based tasks classification. Design/methodology/approach The assessment method of assembly tasks is based on the physical features of the components and associated task description. The attributes that can influence assembly complexity for automation are presented. Physical experimentation with a collaborative robot and work with several industrial cases helped to formulate the presented method. Findings The method will differentiate the tasks with higher complexity of handling, mounting, human safety and part feeding from low-complexity tasks, thereby simplifying collaborative automation in HRC scenario. Such structured method for tasks distribution in HRC can significantly reduce deployment and changeover times. Originality/value Assembly attributes affecting HRC automation are identified. The methodology is presented for evaluating tasks for assigning to the robot and creating a work–load balance forming a human–robot work team. Finally, an assessment tool for simplified industrial deployment.

Reconfiguring and ramping-up ventilator production in the face of COVID-19: Can robots help?

“…7 ). They don’t require closed-off areas for their operation, instead they can cooperate or collaborate with humans and share their workload to perform tasks requiring a combination of their best and complementing competencies [ 56 , 18 , 19 ]. Furthermore, they are easier to program (or repurpose) and are portable [ 57 ].…”

“…The most important factors constituting complexity of a task for automation include the shape of the component, feeding of parts to the assembly station, the alignment needed between two mating components, and the risk of injury for the humans [ 19 ]. A simplified method for task distribution is shown in Table 1 .…”

“…Besides high potential of cobotic automation (and use cases available today of using cobots for single repetitive tasks e.g. machine tending) their application in assembly is limited [ 19 ]. The aim of the research presented in this article is to explore the role that collaborative robots can play in reconfigurable automation for assembly of medical ventilators.…”

Virtual reality in manufacturing: immersive and collaborative artificial-reality in design of human-robot workspace

“…A factor to be considered is that the virtual model must be kept simple and may not be of the equal complexity as the physical system. At this stage the assembly sequence is also modelled following the assembly precedent constraints and the skills of human and robot (Malik and Bilberg 2019b). The assigned tasks are modelled in the simulation by defining the key locations for picking and placing the components.…”

Modelling time efficiency of cobot-supported kit preparation

“…Recent research has shown how a proper programming of a cobot can be crucial to guarantee a successful use of such a device [13]; other important aspects are related to the used visual system and to the effectiveness of the grasp action [14,15]. For now, most of the investigated applications are related to assembly environments, in which cobots are used to support the operator during the execution of the tasks [16][17][18]. In this direction, Krüger et al [19] surveyed human-machine interaction and identified research issues related to collaboration between workers and robots.…”