Advanced technologies and humans in manufacturing workplaces: an interdependent relationship

Abstract

Industrially developed countries have historically relied on manufacturing of goods to achieve and maintain their economic status. In recent years, these developed societies have increased their reliance on technology, particularly automation, to enhance manufacturing productivity. Excessive reliance on automation technology may be undesirable if the overall goal is to enhance productivity of manufacturing enterprises. A human-centered approach to modern manufacturing may be more effective based on actual productivity gains, economics, technical feasibility and equipment capability and reliability, and problems created by automated manufacturing technologies. In this paper, we examine several technological issues pertaining to advanced manufacturing technology systems. We conclude that human presence in such systems is essential to compensate for technological limitations, and that a human-centered approach to designing manufacturing systems can provide most benefit for productivity, reliability, economy and flexibility. We also focus on limitations of the human component in a human-centered manufacturing system. Specifically, we discuss stress management, worker training, human error, human information processing limits, and human–machine interface design issues, all of which limit effectiveness of humans in manufacturing. Relevance to industry Recognizing the interdependence of advanced technology and humans in an advanced manufacturing technology system will enable industries to manage and design such systems for improved system performance.