Schmalfuß F., Mach S., Kastrau, A. (2018)

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.26144.69121

20th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) – Las Vegas (NV, USA) – 15th – 20th July 2018

Abstract:

Wearable technology for support of the workers is a widely discussed and investigated topic in today’s research and industry. As an interface between human and automation, the advantage of wearable devices, such as smartwatches, lies in the possibility of a location independent, direct worker-machine communication and allows fast as well as personalized notification in case of an important work-related event. Smartwatches provide the options to alert the user via vibration, sound or visual signals. This study contributes to current research by examining, which modality is suitable in an industrial environment.

More information is available at: http://2018.hci.international/

Attig, C., Mach, S., Wessel, D., Franke, T., Schmalfuß, F. and Krems, J.F.

Technikaffinität als Ressource für die Arbeit in Industrie 4.0

https://doi.org/10.14464/awic.v3i0.251

Abstract: 

Die zunehmende Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt bietet nicht nur vielversprechende Innovationen zur arbeiterzentrierten, adaptiven Aufgabengestaltung, sondern stellt den Einzelnen auch vor die Herausforderung, in höherem Maße mit digitaler Technik zu interagieren. Für die erfolgreiche Interaktion mit Technik sind zwei Faktoren ausschlaggebend: Wissen über bzw. Erfahrung mit technischen Systemen sowie Persönlichkeitsaspekte, die sich als Interaktionsstil im Umgang mit Technik manifestieren. Wir präsentieren das Konzept der interaktionsbezogenen Technikaffinität (affinity for technology interaction, ATI) als zentrale Ressource zum erfolgreichen Umgang mit Technik, und mit der ATI-Skala eine ökonomische und reliable Skala zur Quantifizierung der ATI eines Nutzers. Neben bestehenden Evaluationsergebnissen (N > 1500) stellen wir erste Ergebnisse einer Nutzerstudie vor, die im Rahmen des Projektes Factory2Fit durchgeführt wurde. Die Probanden interagierten mit 3D-Druckern und erlebten unterschiedliche Automatisierungsgrade des Prozesses. Zusätzlich zum Automatisierungsgrad wurde die Erfahrung der Probanden durch unterschiedliche Trainingsintensitäten variiert. Die Ergebnisse liefern erste Hinweise auf die Relevanz von ATI für die Vorhersage des Interaktionserfolgs mit Technologie und damit für Usability-Evaluationen in Industrie 4.0-Umgebungen.

The publication is available here: https://www.bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de/ojs/index.php/awlC/article/view/251/113

Mach, S., Kastrau, A. and Schmalfuß, F.  (2018)

Information at Hand – Using Wearable Devices to Display Task Information in the Context of Industry 4.0. In: Stephanidis C. (eds) HCI International 2018 – Posters’ Extended Abstracts. HCI 2018. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 850. Springer, Cham.

Abstract: 

Abstract In the context of Industry 4.0 and the extensive interconnection of every part of the production process, the industrial worker will still maintain a key role. It is important to support the workers by utilizing ongoing digitalization at work and also to provide suitable concepts for communication between human and automation. A possible solution could be the application of wearable devices such as smartwatches. They are able to automatically collect data about the state of the worker as well as provide relevant information for the worker about the status of machines. The aim of the present research is to investigate whether smartwatches are a suitable alternative to conventional methods of displaying information in an industrial environment – despite some limitations of smartwatches, like the small screen. Therefore, we conducted a laboratory study displaying different amount of information (a list of six tasks vs. only the next task) on different devices (monitor screen vs. smartwatch screen). We asked 32 participants to follow the displayed instructions and fulfill the tasks (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, number connection task). Afterwards, the participants rated the different types of information display with questionnaires (e.g., User Experience Questionnaire). Results show significant differences in some aspects of user experience supporting the advantage of utilizing smartwatches in an industrial context. However, information on a smartwatch should be as short and meaningful as possible.

The publication is available here: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-92270-6_13

Tsourma M., Zikos S., Albanis G., Apostolakis K. C., Lithoxoidou E. E., Drosou A., Zarpalas D., Daras P., & Tzovaras, D.  (2019)

Gamification concepts for leveraging knowledge sharing in Industry 4.0. In: International Journal of Serious Games,  2019, Vol. 6(2), pp.75 – 87. https://doi.org/10.17083/ijsg.v6i2.273

Abstract: 

This paper presents gamification concepts implemented by a gamification engine which is incorporated in a knowledge sharing web-based application. The engine aims at increasing user’s motivation and participation in knowledge sharing and training processes taking place on a factory’s shop floor, enhance socialization and support corrective feedback and positive reinforcement. In particular, it motivates workers to participate in discussions, propose solutions to work-related problems, and upload/view useful content even when being at the workplace. The gamification engine makes use of various gamification elements and is highly configurable in terms of management of gamified tasks. It is designed to support access by both standard display devices (PCs, tablets, mobile phones) as well as Mixed/Augmented Reality platforms, such as Microsoft HoloLens, which are gaining significant traction with industry verticals. The main novelty of the gamification concepts presented is the ability to utilize dynamic worker profile information which is stored in a central database, in order to improve the effectiveness of the gamified tasks, targeting at more effective usage of the knowledge sharing platform in the Industry 4.0 domain.

The publication is available here: http://journal.seriousgamessociety.org/index.php/IJSG/article/view/273

Kaasinen E., Liinasuo M., Schmalfuß F., Koskinen H., Aromaa S., Heikkilä P., Honka A., Mach S., Malm, T., (2019)

A Worker-Centric Design and Evaluation Framework for Operator 4.0 Solutions that Support Work Well-Being. In: Barricelli B. et al. (eds) Human Work Interaction Design. Designing Engaging Automation. HWID 2018. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 544. Springer, Cham. ISBN: 978-3-030-05297-3, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05297-3_18

Abstract: 

Future factory work is developing towards knowledge work, making it more demanding but also more enriched and flexible. The change described as Operator 4.0 has high potential to increase work well-being but it will require careful design of future factory tools and work practices focusing on the worker point of view. We introduce a design and evaluation framework that supports design, evaluation and impact assessment activities that target at Operator 4.0 solutions with a positive impact on work well-being.

The publication is available here:   https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-05297-3_18 

Aromaa S., Liinasuo M., Kaasinen E., Bojko M., Schmalfuß F., Apostolakis K.C., Zarpalas D., Daras P., Özturk C., Boubekeuer M. (2018)

User Evaluation of Industry 4.0 Concepts for Worker Engagement. In: Human Systems Engineering and Design. IHSED 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 876, pp. 34-40. Springer, Cham. ISBN: 978-3-030-02053-8, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02053-8_6

Abstract:

Industry is undergoing a digital transition that will change the design and setup of human-machine systems. One part of this change is increasing possibilities of workers to influence their work. In this paper, we present four components of the Factory2Fit project that contribute to this change by engaging workers: (1) knowledge sharing and collaboration via a discussion platform; (2) visualisation of information via augmented reality (AR) glasses; (3) participatory design of workplaces and tasks by means of a 3D simulation software programme, and (4) an on-site training tool utilising a training platform. The demonstrators were evaluated with workers to identify foreseen benefits, challenges and impact on their work. Most of the concepts seem to be well accepted and they have high potential to improve work well-being and work performance. The results of this study are encouraging, but long-term field studies with actual prototypes will be needed to evolve the concepts.

The publication is available here: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-02053-8_6

Heikkilä P., Honka A., Mach S., Schmalfuß F., Kaasinen E., Väänänen K. (2018)

Quantified Factory Worker – Expert Evaluation and Ethical Considerations of Wearable Self-tracking Devices. In: Mindtrek ’18 – 22nd International Academic Mindtrek Conference – Proceedings, No. 22, p202-211. ACM Press. New York, New York, USA,  ISBN: 9781450365895, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3275116.3275119

Abstract: 

Following the Quantified Self trend, everyday self-tracking practices have become common. Still, self-monitoring of people at work is a rather new research topic. Self-tracking of employees’ activities, mental state and emotions enables data-based feedback, which could improve the employees’ awareness of issues influencing their well-being and performance. We contribute to this topic from two perspectives. First, we explored the potential of wearable self-tracking devices for providing personal feedback to machine operators working in a factory. We used the expert evaluation method to lay ground to the user perspective of self-tracking at work. User experience experts evaluated five tracking devices for their user experience, perceived accuracy and fit to factory workers. Second, we conducted a workshop with the experts to systematically assess the ethical considerations that may arise when adopting self-tracking at work. The results provide insights into the potential of the use of self-tracking devices in a factory context.

The publication is available here: https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=3275119

Chen X., Bojko M,. Riedel R., Apostolakis K. C., Zarpalas D., Daras P., (2018)

Human-centred Adaptation and Task Distribution utilizing Levels of Automation.  In: Marco Macchi, László Monostori, Roberto Pinto (Eds.): 16th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing INCOM 2018, Bergamo, Italy, 11–13 June 2018, Proceedings, S. 54-59. – International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC), IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), Volume 51, Issue 11, 2018, ISSN 2405-8963, DOI: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2018.08.234

Abstract:

Considered as one of the key enablers of smart factories, human-machine adaptation and improved task distribution plays an important role for the realization of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of factory staff. In this paper, with a view to the researches and practices related to the common results of automation adaptation, existing approaches have been revealed as being too general to be put into practice, or being focused too detailed on one industry and therefore cannot be imposed in others. With this in mind, an applicable concept is developed for the setup of an adaptation system, which stems from the EU funded Factory2Fit research project. Within the proposed concept, production automation levels are captured and defined to adapt to the skills and experience of the user. An adaptation engine with human-centered automation is further designed. Based on this, a demonstrator with the scenario of an automobile supplier company is established, which helps to validate the approach proposed within the paper.

The publication is available here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2018.08.234

Mach S., Gründling J.P., Schmalfuß F., Krems J.F. (2018)

Different Ways to Measure Workload at the Workplace: A Methodology Comparison, In: TeaP 2018: 60th Conference of Experimental Psychologists – Abstracts. Pabst Science Publishers. Chemnitz, Germany. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.913

The publication is available here:  https://www.psycharchives.org/static/pdfjs/web/viewer.html?file=/bitstream/20.500.12034/712/1/TeaP_2018_Abstracts_20180308.pdf

Bojko M., Riedel R., Chen X., Müller E. (2017)

Factory2Fit – Empowerment und partizipative Anpassung der Fabrikautomation an die Bedürfnisse der Arbeitnehmer. In: Müller, Egon (Ed.): Arbeitswelten 4.0 – Chancen, Herausforderungen, Lösungen. 16. Tage des Betriebs- und Systemingenieurs – TBI2017. Chemnitz: TU Chemnitz, Wissenschaftliche Schriftenreihe des Institutes für Betriebswissenschaften und Fabriksysteme, Sonderheft 23, S. 361-369, 2017, ISSN 0947-2495

Abstract

The European manufacturing industry is facing major changes driven by increasing customer demand for customised and / or smart products, Industry 4.0 solutions, the opening up of process chains for newcomers as well as the shift to value chains, where the roles of suppliers, manufacturers and retailers are blurred. This dynamically changing environment requires adaptability of employees, production tools and processes. New ICT-based solutions facilitate a paradigm shift that sees factory workers as future “knowledge workers” in smart factories and that cannot succeed only by introducing new technologies into factories. Workflows need to be redesigned and new approaches for continuous development are needed. When shifting work tasks to knowledge work, the adaptation of work environments increasingly requires consideration of differences in cognitive abilities. The Factory2Fit research project presented in this paper aims to take human-centered manufacturing to a new level by giving employees a leadership role in adapting and developing their own tasks. The main goal of the project is to develop and pilot adaptive automation solutions that improve the workflow, help employees develop their skills, empower employees to share knowledge and participate in designing their own work.

The publication is available here (in German):
http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:ch1-qucosa-230572 (CC-BY 4.0 OA License)

More information on the conference is available here (in German):
https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/mb/FabrPlan/tagung.php

Schmalfuß, F., Mach, S., Klüber, K., Habelt, B., Beggiato, M., Körner, A., & Krems, J. F. (2017)

Potential of Wearable Devices for Mental Workload Detection in Different Physiological Activity Conditions, In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Europe Chapter 2017 Annual Conference, Rome, Italy. HFES Press. 2017, ISSN 2333-4959

Abstract

Wearable devices have gained high popularity in the last years, especially for health
monitoring. Some devices aim at identifying mental states, but scientific studies on
the potential of wearable devices for identifying mental states are rather sparse.
Heart rate parameters proved to be valuable indicators for increasing mental
workload and growing levels of physical activity. The question arises, if wearable
devices can be used to identify high mental workload in different physiological
activity conditions. Thirty-two participants (18 female) participated in an experiment
with a 2 (mental workload) x 4 (physiological activity) factorial within-subject
design. Participants sat, stood, stepped or cycled while they fulfilled either no
secondary task (5 minutes) or a counting backwards task (5 minutes). Heart Rate
was measured via a wrist-worn mobile device and a stationary device. Results
showed that measurements of the two devices did not correlate consistently. Heart
Rate and Inter-Beat Intervals, measured via the stationary device differed
significantly with varying levels of physical activity and mental workload. Data
from the wearable device showed only the physical activity effect. Findings indicate
that wearable devices are not fully capable of identifying mental workload. Still,
wearable devices have potential for identifying and fostering reduction of high
physical load in everyday usage.

The full publication is available here: https://www.hfes-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Schmalfuss2017.pdf

Riedel, Ralph; Schmalfuß, Franziska; Bojko, Michael; Mach, Sebastian:
Flexible Automatisierung in Abhängigkeit von Mitarbeiterkompetenzen und –beanspruchung. In: Gesellschaft für Arbeitswissenschaft e.V. (Hrsg.): Dokumentation der Herbstkonferenz der Gesellschaft für Arbeitswissenschaft e.V.; 28. und 29. September 2017 in Chemnitz; Dortmund: GfA-Press, 2017; ISBN 978-3-936804-23-2

Abstract

Industry 4.0 and current developments in the field of manufacturing companies require high adaptability of people and machines alike. Smart factories turn production workers into knowledge workers. In addition to new, intelligent, technical solutions, this also requires new approaches to work organisation and training as well as qualification concepts that flexibly work together with adaptable technical systems. The EU-funded Factory2Fit project develops solutions for human-machine interaction in automated production systems that provide a high level of adaptability to the skills, competencies and preferences of individual employees, while meeting the challenges of highly customised production. This paper presents the basic goals and ideas of the project as well as the approaches of the quantified self in the working context, the adaptive automation including the different levels of automation and the specific application of participatory design. In the next steps of the project, it is important to implement and validate these concepts. The interdisciplinary approach and the close contact between scientific, development and application partners should help to successfully meet the challenges of the realisation and to implement future-oriented smart factory solutions.

The publication is available here (in German):
http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:ch1-qucosa-231812 (Copyright: GfA-Press)