Putting humans at the centre of high-tech workplaces of the future
Flinders University expert Dr Valerie O'Keeffe - a specialist in human factors and workplace health and safety - will present on the use of AR in advanced manufacturing at a national conference in Adelaide this week (20-22 November 2023).
"Industrial robots, computers and other machines are performing work in factories that can underpin advanced large-scale manufacturing and high performance and healthy workplaces," says Dr O'Keeffe.
"Advanced methods such as AR head mounted display devices can provide low-cost training, quality control and assembly accuracy and play a pivotal role in hands-free industrial applications but is still limited by unresolved usability issues.
"With all these new technologies, we cannot lose sight of the need to manage their integration with people and organisations to favour humans."
While robots can be dangerous when in close contact with people, their roles are expanding as autonomous and manual systems improve.
The International Federation of Robotics estimated there were more than 3 million robots operating in factories around the world in 2022 - from automotive and metal and machinery businesses assisting with manual handling, electrical-electronics, welding and assembly. At the same time, more than 350,000 professional service robots assisted in hospitality, medical and healthcare settings, in cleaning, agriculture and transportation and logistics.
Dr O'Keeffe, from Flinders University's Australian Industrial Transformation Institute at Tonsley, focuses on the development of tools and techniques to elevate 'human factors and ergonomics' as employment around the world moves into the future workplaces where Industry 4.0 and 5.0 brings rapid changes.
A research team at the Flinders Industrial Transformation Institute has examined a range of new industrial technologies including augmented and virtual reality technology in manufacturing assembly relevant to shipbuilding and its supply chain.
"Large-scale shipbuilding and other infrastructure projects can benefit greatly from accelerated application of advanced digital and manufacturing technologies in tandem with lean manufacturing and high-performance workplace practices. So too can the supply chains working in support of major projects," says Dr O'Keeffe.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia 2023 National Conference, will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, from 20-23 November.
After the conference, the public can hear more from one of the conference keynote speakers. Dr Christopher Reid, an expert in wearable technology with Boeing USA, who will give a free lunchtime talk at Flinders at Tonsley on Thursday 23 November.
Dr Christopher Reid, a Designated Human Factors expert, will speak about the value of human factors and ergonomics to small to medium manufacturing enterprises working to accelerate their adoption of technology.
More information and register visit here