Maximum flexibility, modularity and versatility - this is what production planners look for when procuring assembly systems for industry and logistics. Another trend that takes account of demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers: ergonomics. Modern auxiliary equipment relieves workers instead of straining them. Older and younger people, people with and without disabilities now work without putting undue strain on their bodies. Users of exoskeletons feel as if they are supported by superpowers. Thanks to servo technology, the smart suits support the worker when carrying heavy loads and increase the lifting force where necessary. This reduces compression pressure on the back and relieves pressure on the spine. Employees still have full strength at the end of their shift, reducing the error rate and sick days.

Co-bots are designed to make life easier for people
Co-bots are a prominent example of processes that are (partially) automated but still make life easier. These gentle giants have been populating many a technology trade fair for several years now. These trends are a must at the complementary trade fairs Motek and Bondexpo. However, the human-like systems are only a real help if they can do more than just open beer bottles, as we are often told at events. Rather, they should be able to take over heavy and monotonous tasks that relieve the strain on humans and thus ensure that processes become more reliable and faster. These techno-android helpers are already part of everyday life in automotive production. At the same time, it is important to keep an eye on safety. Thanks to touch-sensitive membranes and modern sensor technology, humans and robots can collaborate without accidents, i.e. work hand in hand.

Height-adjustable tables, tool trays at arm height and tablet holders in the field of vision: modern manual workstation systems are easy on the body and help you to concentrate fully on the task at hand. Individual physical characteristics such as height and optimum reach can be taken into account, as can disabilities or other restrictions. Practical workstation systems can be adjusted without tools in just a few minutes - with a hand crank or electrically. Some assistive devices can be operated with the foot, i.e. without bending down. For safety reasons, the cables should be concealed. High-tech systems, such as those on show at the Fraunhofer "Future Work Lab" in Stuttgart, the innovation laboratory for work, people and technology, work with induction loops, among other things. They supply the desk with power and internet wirelessly. The systems in the "Future Worlds of Work" information environment, some of which are not even on the market yet, adjust themselves fully automatically to the needs of the workers once they have been identified.

Digital support
In addition to ergonomically designed work aids, there are also digital options. This is because collaboration between man and machine is becoming increasingly close. In times when Industry 4.0 is becoming a reality, there is a need for systems that can map digitalization in the same way as modern production facilities. Screens are often installed, tablet holders are provided or workstations with complete PCs are docked on. The current (assembly) orders are then always displayed from the ERP database, and a digital assistant uses instructions or light signals to show how and where to join and screw. Some of the systems on show at the Fraunhofer Future Work Lab are so flexible that they can also adapt cognitively to the respective employee - from a pure reference book to a hint for tricky areas to step-by-step work instructions.

Separation solutions are interesting when picking C-parts. It is quick and easy to pick from Kanban containers or open-fronted storage boxes with small parts. Containers with partitions often protect against forced postures and unnecessary movements. Enabling disabled people to participate in the world of work is not only of charitable benefit. Anyone who feels the shortage of skilled workers is also thinking about workplace systems where wheelchair users can work with correct posture. Wheelchair users who work in a seated position, for example, have a smaller reach, have difficulty bending and stretching and often tire more quickly than people without disabilities. Modular components, lifting force amplifiers and multi-axis swivel arms enable material provision that can be individually adapted to people with disabilities.

"Work smart, not hard!"
Working lean means avoiding waste. One important aspect, for example, is to use employees' energy and manpower sparingly in order to retain them in the long term. If, for example, work is not duplicated and the worker wastes less time searching, this saves the body and resources. "Work smart, not hard!" This requires the right flow of information: data and instructions must be available at the right time, in the right quantity and in an appealing format. This is done via mobile devices such as tablets, smart watches or smartphones. An Industry 4.0-capable, networked assembly environment is more efficient and enables a higher degree of automation. For example, information about the progress of the current work task could be recorded by sensors and passed on to higher-level systems. Material provision is then automated, for example, or quality is checked inline at multiple stages, which not only ensures the required high quality standard in flexible-quantity variant production, but also the necessary cost-effectiveness.

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Motek and Bondexpo
The 37th Motek - International Trade Fair for Production and Assembly Automation - and the 12th Bondexpo - International Trade Fair for Bonding Technologies - will take place from October 8 to 11, 2018 at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. Visitors will find the world's largest range of solutions for assembly automation here. This also includes future topics such as HRC and Industry 4.0 with practical, implementable solutions. Systems for interface optimization, bus systems and everything to do with the OPC UA communication standard for the smart factory will also be topics at the trade fair. In addition to the leading assembly trade fair, Bondexpo will once again be taking place this year, focusing on joining technology, lightweight assembly and bonding technology.