Session: 02-08-01: Advances in Human Modelling

Paper Number: 147259

147259 - A Human-Robot Interaction Platform for Operator Well-Being: A Case-Study 

This paper presents a comprehensive case study on a human-robot interaction platform for the assembly process of a condensate pump, particularly within the operational context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By the analysis of the assembly process of the condensate pump, tasks that impose physical strain on the operators in the production line are identified. It was found that the screw-driving operation and fixing of the condensate base were strenuous and repetitive. These tasks have the potential to lead to musculoskeletal issues, especially in the elbow region for the operators working in the production line. In the initial approach, a digital model of the production line with the operators is analyzed using a simulation package with the help of mannequins. An ergonomic analysis using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is carried out for the strenuous tasks. This analysis helps in identifying fatigue in the elbow region using ergonomic scores for different population ranges and physiques. For a better evaluation strategy, experiments are then carried out with two participants in a laboratory setting using electromyography (EMG) sensors. These sensors are attached to the arms of the participants and signals are measured for the strenuous activities. Binary markers are assigned to the signals followed by which a feature-based extraction method is applied to the signals. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) technique is employed and trained using the extraction method, thereby helping to identify the fatigue imposed in the elbow region of the participants. Based on these findings, a human-robot interaction (HRI) platform using a collaborative robot is proposed to alleviate the physical strain on the operators. By revisiting the list of tasks in the assembly, strenuous tasks, especially the screw-driving operation are assigned to the collaborative robot while tasks that are complex and require more dexterity are assigned to the participants. The experiment is then carried out on the HRI platform with the two participants. Simultaneously, RULA analysis is carried out according to the parameters of the participants to correlate with the experiments and simulations. A comparison is then made on the analysis before and after the implementation of the HRI platform. The proposed HRI platform helps to mitigate musculoskeletal problems in the future thereby promoting a healthier and safer worker environment in SMEs. By exploiting the capabilities of a collaborative robot, a synergy between humans and automation technologies can be achieved thereby leading to a sustainable and ergonomic future in manufacturing.

Presenting Author: Swaminath Venkateswaran Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire, Research Center

Presenting Author Biography: Swaminath Venkateswaran obtained his Doctorate of Philosophy with honours in Mechanical Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Nantes, France in 2020. His research areas/expertise include Product design & analysis, Kinematics of mechanisms, Control of robots, Cobots for the circular economy and Industry 4.0. Currently, Swaminath works as an Assistant Professor at the Leonardo da Vinci engineering school (ESILV), Paris. His teaching activities are centred around the domain of Mechatronics and Industrial engineering for the Bachelors's & Master's levels. His research activities are affiliated with the group "New Materials, Intelligent Systems, and Innovative Companies" of the Da Vinci Research Center (DVRC).

Authors:

Swaminath Venkateswaran Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire, Research Center
Jinan Charafeddine Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire, Research Center