Automation Configuration Evaluation in Adaptive Assembly Systems Based on Worker Satisfaction and Costs

Nowadays requirements and challenges for production systems have led to an increasing importance of flexible assembly processes. Arising technologies in the context of Industry 4.0 provide previously unknown possibilities for human-oriented automation. To exploit those possibilities effectively, the research project A4BLUE aims to develop and evaluate sustainable and adaptive workplaces that are human-centered and best automated for dynamic environments. As part of the research project, a methodology is developed to determine the optimal automation configuration in relation to context and situation. The present work provides an overview of the methodological approach, implemented as a software prototype within the A4BLUE Adaptive Framework. The methodology takes into account the aspects of worker satisfaction as well as economic factors by adding a systematic, process-related logic to validated approaches. In the present paper, the cost-based module of the methodology is outlined based on process characteristics and manufacturing targets of assembly systems.