Cobots for the automobile assembly line

Intelligent assist devices (IADs) are a new class of hybrid devices for direct, physical, interaction with a human operator in shared workspaces. These devices-designed for the assembly line worker-can reduce ergonomics concerns that arise due to on-the-job physical and cognitive loading, while improving safety, quality and productivity. Cobots, a sub-set of IADs, implement software defined virtual guiding surfaces while providing some amplification of human power. They exemplify the central theme of this paper-that humans are critical in many assembly operations and ergonomics tools that enable them to perform their duties are necessary. The paper describes broad design principles for human-machine interaction in these industrial settings. Prototype industrial cobots designed for testing and validation are described.