State-of-art of Human Factors/Ergonomics in Intelligent Manufacturing

Abstract

Human factors/ergonomic (HF/E) for intelligent manufacturing is the application of HF/E in the field of intelligent manufacturing (IM), which is based on the human-centered concept in the context of human-cyber-physical systems (HCPS). The research goal of HF/E for IM is to ensure safe and efficient operation of IM systems, through systematic research on relationships between humans, cyber systems and physical systems. First, the research contents of HF/E for IM are listed. Then, the state-of-art in humans' role, HF/E, and human-machine relationship in the context of IM are reviewed. Research hotpots include human safety, integration of virtual and physical entity, horizontal organization, production and use integration, human-machine collaboration, and human-CPS relationship, etc. Based on China's current challenges in intelligent manufacturing HF/E, several suggestions are proposed from the aspects of discipline construction, scientific research, and social attention. These suggestions include strengthening top-level strategic design, improving discipline construction, advocating system design concept, promoting integration of quantitative and qualitative research, and innovative applications of emerging technologies.