Human centered Lean automation in assembly

Empirical studies have documented skills that make humans superior to machines in various contexts while keeping them inferior in some others, nevertheless; humans are recognized as the most flexible element in a production system. This paper relates the theory of Lean automation with human-machine interaction; thereby taking benefits from the bests of humans and machines in a combination. The result is biomechatronic production systems. We present a framework that discusses the physical, sensorial and cognitive capabilities of humans; and the technologies that can enhance them. One technology for each capability enhancement has been selected and is evaluated for ease of use and industrial applicability in assembly tasks. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.