Computer aided planning and design of manual assembly systems |
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Authors: | W. J. BRAUN R. REBOLLAR E. F. SCHILLER |
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Affiliation: | 1. Institute for Human and Industrial Engineering, Karlsruhe University , Postfach 6980,Kaiserstr 12, Karlsruhe , D-76128 , Germany;2. Engineering Polytechnic Centre, Zaragoza University , Spain |
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Abstract: | This paper describes current problems in the field of assembly planning and reasons why industrial enterprises need integrated, computer aided tools for the design of worksystems. An example of such a tool is presented in this article. With this computer aided planning system (CAP) called EMMA (expert for the design of manual assembly workplaces ≡ Experte zur Gestaltung manueller Montagear-beitsplätze), it is possible to plan ahead a workplace considering all anthropometrical and biomechanical restrictions, based on a geometric design model of the product, that has to be assembled. A combination of heuristics is used to achieve the objectives of the planning process. Taken into account are the economic aspects as well as human factors. A multi dimensional evaluation of the planning solution and the interactive optimization will lead to workplaces of high economic and ergonomic value. At the end of the article, a case study describes how EMMA works. |
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