Background
U-line assembly systems are workstations which are arranged in the form of a U according to the one-piece flow concept. These are hybrid systems in which automated processes are supplemented by manual activities. Depending on the job situation, one or more employees are flexibly deployed in U-lines. Intensive manual work in U-lines can lead to musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities and shoulder belt. This depends essentially on the work design. In U-lines, these include short movement cycles with highly dynamic and fine-motor finger-hand and arm movements, for example. U-lines can also cause increased strain on the lower extremities. Due to the circularity of the working persons in U-line assembly systems, lateral steps and rotational movements in the lower back area can occur, representing a significantly different stress pattern compared to “conventional" walking.
Goals
The research project had typified U-shaped assembly line of varying complexity and examine interactions of physical and mental workloads using a holistic methodological approach.
Results
- A balanced and holistic approach for analysis of physical and mental stress and physiological strain in U-shaped assembly lines.
- research methods and tools for analysis of physical and mental stress and physiological strain in U-shaped lines.
- Results concerning physical workloads on upper and low extremities while working in different types of U-shaped assembly lines
- Technical and organizational ergonomic measurements regarding U-shaped assembly lines taking into account physical fatigue, monotony and mental saturation as well as physiological strain.
- Processing of the results for the specification of the main study on human-compatible work design of chaku-chaku work systems.
