FULL-SCOPE SIMULATION OF HUMAN-ROBOT INTERACTION IN MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

Abstract

Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) systems were recently introduced in the manufacturing industry. Robots acting autonomously and working in a direct collaboration with humans create a hazard potential, which is influenced by human factors in complex working situations. In this paper, a concept of a full-scope simulator for HRI applications is introduced, followed by a pilot installation of the simulator. Different environmental influences can be created and repeatably reproduced in an experimental environment within the simulator. The HRI full-scope simulator works completely autonomous and enables comprehensible and repeatable ergonomic proband experiments for an optimal design of HRI systems with regard to human factors and allows for statistical conclusions, e.g., about the human situational awareness.