Automation · Ergonomics
Automating a repetitive manual workstation
Illustrative project to automate repetitive gestures while retaining the operator for flexible, value-added operations.
Illustrative use case
Context
Starting point
A workstation depends on repeated loading, unloading, checking or positioning. The operation is simple but labour-intensive and difficult to scale.
Problem
What needs to improve
- High repetitive-motion workload
- Throughput depends strongly on operator rhythm
- Variable cycle time
- Difficulties absorbing demand peaks
Possible architecture
A solution to validate with the site
- Cycle observation and task decomposition
- Assisted or collaborative handling
- Simple fixtures and part presentation
- Interlocks and safe operating modes
- Manual fallback for flexibility
Illustrative use case — architecture and results must be confirmed using real site data and representative products.
Key point
Keep flexibility where it has real value.
- Separate repetitive actions from judgement tasks
- Validate part presentation reliability
- Plan manual fallback and changeovers