Ergonomics Analysis for a Simulation Approach to Human-Robot Collaborative Task Allocation

Abstract

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe used an algorithmic approach to assign tasks among a human worker and a collaborative robot assistant. When optimized on force and time as a measure for ergonomics cost, the algorithm assigned physically demanding aspects of the job to the robot, such as applying forces, while the human worker was assigned more dexterous tasks, such as the alignment of parts. Using this approach, operator stress was reduced while the cycle time for the job decreased. This method may be useful for better integrating collaborative robots into jobs requiring ergonomics interventions.