Ergonomics aspects of the automated factory

Abstract

The paper outlines some of the implications for ergonomics of the current trend towards ‘automated factories’; ones in which human functions will be largely supervisory and minute-by-minute control will be by computers. These implications are discussed under the headings: locus of control and accountability; organization, staffing and training issues; decision aids; the transfer of knowledge among multiple users; and knowledge capture. It is clear that much of ergonomics knowledge is relevant to these matters; nevertheless there are areas where more research is required. These are outlined at the end of the paper.

Keywords:

• Computer-aided manufacture
• Systems ergonomics
• Organizational design
• Design of jobs