Experimental analysis of cognitive issues impacting manual assembly task

Abstract

This research explores different ways of presenting material and information at workstations, using various assembly scenarios with fifteen subjects and six different types of pen. Use of intermixed parts, grouped parts, separated parts in different boxes, and part numbered box is the material presentation factors and information presentation factor involve text instructions and photographs. It can be inferred from the results that the number of parts assembled is higher when using part numbered box with instructions and with the least errors. However, using intermixed parts with instructions resulted in a decreased number of pens assembled. The assembly time provided for each subject was ten minutes. It is found that the workload and the stress factor in identifying the parts, distinguishing and assembling during the intermixed and grouped parts with instructions got reduced in the further scenarios. Work station design and planning can be done based on the cognitive skills of subjects, and according to their skills the various material and information presentation factors can be prepared. This results in effective utilization of manpower which leads to improved productivity and effectiveness.