Background
In the course of warehouse automation, goods-to-person picking stations are used increasingly. But, even if a conveyor system delivers all articles to the station automatically, the actual picking processes must be carried out manually by the order picker. Due to the potentially high physical stress, e.g. due to awkward postures or repetitive movements of the upper extremities, ergonomic criteria must be evaluated when designing such workstations.
Aims
The aim of this research project in cooperation with the provider for logistics systems SSI Schäfer is to create design guidelines for a goods-to-person picking station from an ergonomic point of view. In particular, various design parameters such as working heights, reaching distances and angles are examined so that the resulting physical loads for the order picker are minimized.
Methods
After a field study in the technology center of SSI Schaefer in Giebelstadt, twelve mock-up versions of conceivable station designs were set up at the IAD. In order picking trials with subjects, posture and movement data were recorded using motion capture (captiv system) and evaluated using the EAWS tool (Schaub et al. 2013).
Results
- EAWS values for all versions of the picking stations with variation of weight and pick frequency
- Load limits for combinations of weight and pick frequency
- Guidelines for the design of an optimal picking station for specific product portfolios
- The procedure of the study and the results are summarized in the following video by SSI Schäfer:
