Manual assembly and Human-Robot Collaboration in repetitive assembly processes: a structured comparison based on human-centered performances

Abstract

Abstract Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) represents an innovative solution able to enhance quality and adaptability of production processes. In a collaborative process, man and robot cooperate symbiotically. However, to fully exploit the benefits of HRC, human factors must be taken into account. A novel experimental setting involving a repetitive assembly process is presented to investigate the effects of prolonged HRC on user experience and performance. Each participant was involved in two 4-hours shifts: a manual assembly setting and a HRC assembly setting. The response variables collected in the study include the perceived workload, self-reported affective state, perceived body discomfort, physiological indicators of stress (heart rate variability and electrodermal activity), and process defectiveness. The experimental results showed reduced mental effort and fewer process defects in the HRC setting, highlighting how collaborative robotics can also support humans from a cognitive point of view.