Article
Engineering, Industrial
Azin Setayesh, Eric H. Grosse, Christoph H. Glock, W. Patrick Neumann
Summary: Through literature review and interviews, this study identified human factors leading to quality deficits and errors in order picking operations, including physical and mental fatigue, complexity, memory demand, among others. The interviews also revealed previously unrecognized communication and supervision failure modes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Minqi Zhang, Eric H. Grosse, Christoph H. Glock
Summary: Warehouses are crucial in supply chains, and order picking is a time- and cost-intensive task. New technologies, such as autonomous picking robots collaborating with human pickers, can reduce the workload of warehouse workers. However, attention should be given to controlling the weight handled by pickers to avoid increased ergonomic risks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Omar Al-Araidah, Gul Okudan-Kremer, Elif Elcin Gunay, Chih-Yuan Chu
Summary: The study uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate energy expenditure and fatigue allowance in manual order picking systems. Results highlight the significant impact of body mass and walking speed on productivity and energy expenditure, especially for heavier pickers. Furthermore, it is challenging to set productivity limits for pickers with a wide range of weights while considering age and health conditions affecting energy input and aerobic capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Serena Finco, Martina Calzavara, Fabio Sgarbossa, Ilenia Zennaro
Summary: This paper proposes a new methodological approach to include physical fatigue and rest allowance as ergonomic parameters in mixed-model assembly lines, aiming to improve productivity and human safety. By developing a linear mathematical model and heuristic approach, it effectively addresses the balancing and sequencing decision problems in assembly lines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Fatemeh Nikkhoo, Ali Husseinzadeh Kashan, Bakhtiar Ostadi, Ehsan Nikbakhsh
Summary: This study presents a two-stage framework based on MADM and MODM models to optimize order-picking systems while considering human factors and integrating key decisions. The first stage considers human factors as criteria and uses fuzzy entropy method and fuzzy COPRAS to rank the pickers. The second stage formulates a three-objective mathematical model to minimize makespan and operating costs while maximizing the total scores of the selected pickers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & DECISION MAKING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Sven Winkelhaus, Minqi Zhang, Eric H. Grosse, Christoph H. Glock
Summary: Order picking is a critical process that affects business success in various industries. While manual operations are still common, there are also technologies available to automate or support order picking. This study examines hybrid order picking, where autonomous robots and human pickers work together, and evaluates its performance using a simulation model. The results show that hybrid order picking can improve throughput and reduce costs compared to pure manual or automated order picking. Future research potentials are discussed based on the simulation results.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Industrial
Sarah Vanheusden, Teun van Gils, Katrien Ramaekers, Trijntje Cornelissens, An Caris
Summary: This study reviews the scientific literature on order picking planning and identifies influential practical factors, demonstrates their impact on order picking performance, and provides recommendations on improving existing models to account for practical factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Zheng Wang, Jiuh-Biing Sheu, Chung-Piaw Teo, Guiqin Xue
Summary: Intelligent part-to-picker systems have become popular for agile order fulfillment in various industries, raising challenges in designing work schedules and operational scheduling problems. This study focuses on finding suitable robot schedules considering the fluctuations in human pickers' working states, using a dynamic program model and an ADP-based solution approach. The model, calibrated with data from a leading e-commerce company in China, demonstrates high-quality solutions that reduce picking times by 10% compared to traditional methods.
PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Alexandros Pasparakis, Jelle De Vries, Rene De Koster
Summary: Robotisation is becoming more common in warehouse operations, but human employment remains relevant. The traditional manual activities are being transformed into collaborative human-robot tasks, reflecting the shift towards a human-centric Industry 5.0. However, the recruitment and retention of human workers are becoming increasingly challenging. This research investigates the sustainable deployment of robotic technologies alongside human workers, examining the impact of autonomy levels on job satisfaction and core self-evaluations, which determine turnover intentions. The findings reveal that human-robot collaboration has a positive effect on job satisfaction, particularly when the human is following the robot, and it also enhances pickers' self-esteem and self-efficacy related to human-robot interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Serhat Saylam, Melih Celik, Haldun Sural
Summary: This paper investigates the order picker routing problem in a dynamic and synchronised zoning environment, aiming to minimize the maximum time of completing picking activities in any zone. The use of a min-max type objective helps balance the workload of order pickers more effectively.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Sven Winkelhaus, Eric H. Grosse, Stefan Morana
Summary: This paper introduces the concept of Order Picking 4.0 (OP 4.0) and discusses the application of automation and technological support in order picking. Through a systematic literature review, research opportunities in OP 4.0 are highlighted.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Ruben D'Haen, Kris Braekers, Katrien Ramaekers
Summary: This study proposes an integrated solution approach to handle dynamic order arrivals in warehouses and emphasizes the importance of anticipating future order arrivals to maintain high customer service levels. A new large neighbourhood search algorithm is developed to solve the online, integrated batching, routing and scheduling problem, outperforming the current state-of-the-art static solution algorithm. Experimental results provide insights on the particularity of this online, integrated problem, enabling companies to operate efficiently without compromising customer satisfaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Matthew M. Symer, Deborah S. Keller
Summary: Pelvic surgery presents challenges due to its anatomical complexity and difficulties in visualization and access. Surgeons may suffer work-related musculoskeletal injuries caused by poor design and flow of their work environment, which are exacerbated by the demands of pelvic surgery. Human factors, combining physiology, psychology, and ergonomics, contribute to a better understanding of the challenges posed by pelvic surgery. The choice of operative approach and improved understanding of ergonomics are important factors in mitigating risks to surgeons. Applying human factors approaches such as standardization and checklists can enhance patient safety in the operating theatre.
Review
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Reza Kazemi, Seul Chan Lee
Summary: A systematic review was conducted on human factors/ergonomics (HFE) problems in VR environments, highlighting the most relevant issues and validated instruments for quantification. The review found that cybersickness, visual fatigue, mental workload, performance, spatial presence, and usability were the most assessed HFE issues, while physical workload, posture, stress, and discomfort were less frequently considered. Previous studies overlooked important HFE issues such as physical ergonomics, stress, and aftereffects like fatigue and human error. Presence emerged as a significant human factor in virtual environments compared to real ones. Most techniques used were unidimensional and subjective, suggesting a need for future studies to incorporate more factors and risks using objective and multidimensional methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
P. A. Hancock
Summary: This paper discusses how human factors and ergonomics can save lives by evaluating the achievements of scientist Neville Anthony Stanton in the realm of ground transportation, particularly driver behavior assessment. Stanton is recognized as one of the most prolific scientists in the discipline, with his global impact stemming from not only his written works but also international scientific presentations, collaborative research, and mentoring. His contributions include the development of tools and methods for exploring and understanding human factors and ergonomics, showcasing the practical and positive influences of the discipline in real-world systems.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Martina Calzavara, Serena Finco, Daria Battini, Fabio Sgarbossa, Alessandro Persona
Summary: This paper proposes an innovative approach to solve the Joint Assembly Line Balancing and Feeding Problem, aiming to achieve integrated balancing and fully synchronized assembly-feeding system. By using the MILP model, it successfully reduces the number of assembly stations and inventory level, while avoiding workforce shortage issues in the feeding system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Daria Battini, Nicola Berti, Serena Finco, Mattia Guidolin, Monica Reggiani, Luca Tagliapietra
Summary: This article introduces a new real-time full-body ergonomic platform, WEM-Platform, which provides ergonomic assessments in industrial and logistics settings based on motion capture using an inertial suit and an activity tracker, offering visual feedback to workers. The platform supports various devices including inertial suits, depth cameras, and activity trackers, and its architecture, design, and validation via laboratory testing are discussed.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Mohammed-Amine Abdous, Xavier Delorme, Daria Battini, Fabio Sgarbossa, Sandrine Berger-Douce
Summary: This article introduces a method for considering ergonomics in the design phase of assembly lines. Currently, assembly line workers face challenges related to musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomics problems, which deteriorate the economic condition of production systems. The authors propose a method based on integer linear programming to address the assembly line balancing problem with the consideration of fatigue recovery criteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Riccardo Aldrighetti, Daria Battini, Ajay Das, Marco Simonetto
Summary: This study investigates the facilitation of closed-loop supply chain initiatives through industry 4.0 technologies and finds that industry 4.0 technologies have a significant and beneficial moderator effect on the relationship between closed-loop supply chain practices and environmental and social performance, but not on financial performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Serena Finco, Daria Battini, Giuseppe Converso, Teresa Murino
Summary: The paper introduces a methodological framework called SPOZA based on Zero-Inflated Poisson regression to simplify the inventory-level evaluation procedure for items with irregular demand patterns. Through a real-case application, it is shown that SPOZA can reduce inventory costs and perform better, especially when items demand increases.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND PRODUCTION ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Industrial
Marco Simonetto, Fabio Sgarbossa, Daria Battini, Kannan Govindan
Summary: Sustainability issues are driving industries to develop more complex closed loop supply chains (CLSCs) with many risks. The low levels of integration and digitalization in CLSCs limit their benefits for society. This study focuses on the analysis of the benefits of Industry 4.0 technologies in mitigating the operational risks in CLSCs and proposes a conceptual framework and matrix for future managerial initiatives in this domain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Francesco Zangaro, Stefan Minner, Daria Battini
Summary: This paper investigates the Joint Assembly Line Balancing and Feeding Problem (JALBFP) and proposes a heuristic approach and mathematical model to solve it for multi-manned assembly lines. Through numerical studies, the effectiveness of the heuristic approach is validated, and it is found that the JALBFP method can significantly reduce the overall cost compared to the sequential approach.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Mohammed-Amine Abdous, Xavier Delorme, Daria Battini, Sandrine Berger-Douce
Summary: Manufacturing systems are social-technical systems that involve interactions between humans and technologies in shared workspaces. Collaborative manufacturing systems combine the benefits of human workers and Industry 4.0 technologies and are useful in flexible and adaptable contexts. The key problems in designing these systems are line balancing and equipment selection. We propose a multi-objective approach that optimizes investment costs and ergonomics, and developed a solving algorithm based on epsilon-constraint to achieve a trade-off between these objectives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Niloofar Katiraee, Martina Calzavara, Serena Finco, Olga Battaia, Daria Battini
Summary: In manual assembly systems, the differences in workers' skills, expertise level, and physical effort perception greatly influence assembly line balancing and system performance. This study proposes a methodological framework and an easy-to-use Assembly Line Worker Assignment and Rebalancing Problem, which considers workers' performance variability, integration of worker-dependent physical exertion constraints, and the possibility of using trainers to assist inexperienced workers. A bi-objective linear programming model is introduced to minimize cycle time and the number of reassigned tasks while integrating new workers with different characteristics. The results obtained from three real cases demonstrate the successful application of the developed model in manufacturing companies to address workforce turnover and skills heterogeneity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Management
Riccardo Aldrighetti, Daria Battini, Dmitry Ivanov
Summary: Supply chain resilience is crucial in coping with disruptions and can be achieved through network redundancy and process flexibility. This paper introduces a mathematical model for designing an efficient resilience portfolio in a multi-echelon supply chain, which allows for increased resilience at minimal costs. The findings contribute to transforming resilience from a costly expense to a value-creation asset.
OMEGA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gjulio Ashta, Serena Finco, Daria Battini, Alessandro Persona
Summary: The human-centered workplace design philosophy and the operator 5.0 concepts are being increasingly applied in modern industries to personalize the operators' workplace for better well-being and capabilities. New assistive technologies, such as passive exoskeletons, are gaining interest in manufacturing and logistics systems. This literature review focuses on passive exoskeletons for manufacturing and logistics systems, categorizing their assessment in relation to the tasks they are applied to, providing insights into their performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness evaluation, and proposing a maturity heat map for tracking their maturity level.
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Ali Keshvarparast, Olga Battaia, Amir Pirayesh, Daria Battini
Summary: In comparison to traditional robot usage, Human-Robot collaboration (Cobotization) is an effective way to increase assembly line productivity while ensuring job security and flexibility. This research proposes a new bi-objective optimization model for collaborative assembly lines with Cobots, which successfully reduces both cycle time and physical workload, as validated through a comparison of different solutions.
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Riccardo Aldrighetti, Martina Calzavara, Ilenia Zennaro, Daria Battini, Dmitry Ivanov
Summary: The growing competition and external perils pose significant challenges to companies worldwide, requiring resilient and efficient supply networks to mitigate risks and ensure operational stability.
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Nicola Berti, Serena Finco, Mattia Guidolin, Monica Reggiani, Daria Battini
Summary: This article presents and discusses the outcomes of recent laboratory testing activities aimed at developing real-time single and multi-person postural assessment and training. The research utilized the WEM-platform and showed promising results in both post-processing and real-time analysis in manufacturing and logistics environments. The laboratory tests measured the impact of visual feedback intervention on workers' behavior based on individual experience, as well as the effect of different anthropometric characteristics on ergonomic risk score. By combining two inertial Motion Capture systems with the WEM-platform, the ergonomic risk of operators in multi-manned assembly stations was quantified, and positive results were observed in both single and multi-manned configurations. The proposed platform's flexibility enables real-time ergonomic risk assessment for the workers involved, as well as the investigation of their mutual movements and collaborative tasks.
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
L. Maretto, M. Faccio, D. Battini
Summary: The increasing international competition and the presence of Industry 4.0 national plans are driving companies to embark on digitalization projects for their industrial plants. However, there is a considerable lack of specific models for the selection of digital technologies in academic literature. Therefore, researchers have developed a multi-criteria decision-making model based on Fuzzy Logic and AHP, combined with an existing hierarchical classification of digital technologies, to test its practical validity.
