Robotization and human factors

Abstract

This work describes the robotic and ergonomic considerations that become necessary when introducing robots into industry. The operating forces and motions of industrial robots are analysed in order to understand their functions, and the concept ‘degree of freedom’ is discussed as the method of symbolically representing the forms and functions of robots that resemble humans. Several examples of robots similar to humans in form or function are introduced. The issues presented here are indispensable for evaluating robots from an ergonomic point of view and planning man-robot working systems. This research also describes the present situation in Japan where the robot population has substantially increased to meet demand from industry. A large increase in the number of robots creates conflicts between robots and humans. The specific roles which ergonomic research can play in resolving such problems are proposed. The study points out that ergonomic considerations become necessary when introducing robots into a system and proposes a new concept concerning the allocation of functions between robots and humans. The basic procedure for introducing robots into the machine industry and the procedure for letting robots perform welding operations are also described. Lastly, the roles which humans play in a system which include robots are proposed, especially from the standpoint of human capability development