Ergonomic Design of an Adaptive Automation Assembly System

Ergonomics is a key factor in the improvement of health and productivity workplaces. Its use improving performance manufacturing process its positive effects on human drawing attention researchers practitioners field industrial engineering. This paper proposes an ergonomic design approach applied to innovative prototype adaptive automation assembly system (A3S) equipped with Microsoft Kinect™ for real-time adjustment. The acquires anthropometric measurements operator by means 3-D sensing device changes layout, arranging mobile elements accordingly. aim this study was adapt workstation dimensions, ergonomics reducing risks negative workers’ safety. case operation centrifugal electric pump described validate proposed approach. simulated at traditional fixed A3S. shoulder flexion angle during tasks A3S reduced between 18% 47%. risk assessment confirmed conditions benefits