Modeling human performance using learning curves

Qian Wang, M Sowden, Antony Mileham, Geraint Owen

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingBook chapter

Abstract

In this paper, we investigated a semi-automated automotive engine assembly line in which the traditional strategy of using fixed workers in each manual assembly section is replaced by a new strategy of using walking workers. With this approach, both worker and engine travel simultaneously down the line; each worker is previously trained to accomplish a series of assembly tasks independently from start to finish in each manual assembly section. The main problem of this design is that each worker needs to be cross-trained to acquire a satisfactory level of skills associated with the assignment of assembly tasks in order to retain a relatively even working speed between two adjacent workstations. In theory, the familiar degree of completing the assigned tasks by each worker through training can be measured and expressed as a learning curve. In this case study, the learning curve has been used to determine a trade-off decision between the complexity of assigned tasks and the duration of completing these tasks by a walking worker at a stabilized level. The paper describes a framework of assessing the human performance by modeling a learning curve for each walking worker based on an integrated model. Thus, a possible and realistic assignment of assembly tasks for a walking worker can be quantified.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationICMS2010: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Modelling and Simulation, Vol 4 - Modelling and Simulation in Biology, Ecology & Environment
EditorsY Jiang, H Bao
Place of PublicationLiverpool
PublisherWorld Academic Union
Pages1-7
Number of pages7
Volume4
ISBN (Print)9781846261541
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2010
Event3rd Joint International Conference on Modelling and Simulation and 3rd International Conference on Information and Computing Science - Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
Duration: 4 Jun 20106 Jun 2010

Conference

Conference3rd Joint International Conference on Modelling and Simulation and 3rd International Conference on Information and Computing Science
Abbreviated titleICMS2010
Country/TerritoryChina
CityWuxi
Period4/06/106/06/10

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