Knowing Robot Ergonomics to Optimize Robot Performance

Correct & effective introduction of robots to industrial work requires use of ergonomics. However, planning the work of robots themselves in industry brings about a completely new dimension.

INGORA can explain a number of techniques that have been developed & applied in recent years for planning various applications of robots in industry. Some of the techniques bear strong similarity to the original, human-oriented ergonomics techniques. But all these techniques have been developed or adapted for the unique requirements of industrial robots.

For a given job, INGORA entails the analysis & evaluation of whether a human or a robot should be employed for the job. If a robot, the best combination of robot models & work method, implying also the best workplace, should be selected. In integrated human & robot systems the best combination must be designed. The subsequent items cover the ergonomics techniques that are useful to follow the foregoing procedure in practice.

The following topics are important to consider:

• Understanding the job requirements
• Analysis of work characteristics
• Work methods planning
• Motion economy principles (MEPs)
• Performance measurement
• Workplace design
• Integrated human & robot ergonomics

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