Title: Getting the most out of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT)-based systems. Part II: recognising and managing human limitations

Authors: Anil Mital, Arun Pennathur

Addresses: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0116, USA. Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0599, USA

Abstract: In Part 1 of this two-part paper, we examined several technological issues pertaining to automated AMT systems. We concluded that human presence in such systems is essential to compensate technological limitations, and the anthropocentric approach to designing AMT systems is the most appropriate manner in which we can obtain the most out of AMT systems in terms of productivity, reliability, economy and flexibility. In Part II, we focus on the limitations of the human component of an anthropocentric AMT system (human-centred manufacturing system). Specifically, we discuss the following issues that limit the effectiveness of human contributions to an automated AMT system: 1) stress management, 2) training issues, 3) sources and causes of errors, 4) information processing limitations, and 5) interface design issues.

Keywords: advanced manufacturing technology (AMT); anthropocentric approach; automation; errors; human-centred manufacturing; human limitations; information processing; interface design; productivity; stress.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2002.001440

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2002 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.119-133

Published online: 03 Jul 2003 *

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