Optimizing the Flow Velocity of the Assembly Line: A Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective

Abstract:

Human resource is an indispensible element of industrial engineering. Based on Neuro-Industrial-Engineering, we combine the cognitive neuroscience and information technology with cybernetics, and advance a new intelligent human-machine system. Starting with neurophysiological signal (such as electroencephalogram) collection, the system is capable of real-time monitoring and online assessment of the workers’ physiological states. Based on the physiological information and the production information, the system could detect the bottleneck of the assembly line and realize automatic control of the assembly line’s flow velocity. It largely enhances the response speed of the system, and increase the productivity as well as product quality, which is much more effective than the Toyota system in which the assembly line is only stopped when a specific production accident has been detected during production.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 1006-1007)
• Pages: 394-397
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1006-1007.394
• Online since: August 2014
• Authors: Qing Guo Ma*, Guan Xiong Pei, Wen Wei Qiu, Lin Feng Hu, Jun Feng Guo, Xiao Hui Yao
• Keywords: Cybernetics, Human-Machine System, Neuro-Industrial-Engineering, Neurophysiological Signal

References

[1] H. Ford: My life and work (Cosimo, Inc., America 2007).

[2] N. Boysen, M. Fliedner and A. Scholl: Eur J Oper Res, 183 (2007), pp.674-693.

[3] C. Becker and A. Scholl: Eur J Oper Res, 168 (2006), pp.694-715.

[4] C.R. Walker and H. Robert, Guest: The Man on the Assembly Line (Harvard University Press, 1952).

[5] Y. Sugimori, K. Kusunoki, F. Cho and S. Uchikawa: The International Journal of Production Research, 15 (1977), pp.553-564.

[6] N. Wiener: Cybernetics(John Wiley & Sons, America 1948).

[7] Q. Ma and X. Wang: Management World, 10 (2006), pp.139-149.

[8] Q. Ma, H. Fu, T. Xu, G. Pei, X. Chen, Y. Hu and C. Zhu: Neuroreport, 25 (2014), pp.607-611.

[9] Q. Ma, W. Ji, H. Fu and J. Bian: International Journal of Services Operations and Informatics, 7 (2012), pp.150-166.

[10] Q. Ma, X. Sun, H. Fu, D. Zhao, J. Guo. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 345 (2013), pp.482-485.

[11] C. Summerfield and J.A. Mangels: Neuroimage, 24 (2005), pp.692-703.