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Collaborative robotics is changing the way we work, making it safer, more efficient, and more productive, by merging human and robot strengths. The increasing utilization of hybrid working systems has led to a need for improved methods of operator stress detection and mitigation. This thesis proposes a framework for an empathy-based improvement of hybrid working systems. The framework uses galvanic skin response (GSR) measurements, captured with the physiological data sensor "Empatica E4", to detect moments of stress (MOS) in the operator. Subsequently, a stress-level, based on the number of MOS within a predefined duration, is estimated. Therefore, the framework's reactive mechanism adapts the collaborative robot's (cobot) manipulation speed and task allocation by sending the corresponding signals to the robot control. The aim of this adaptation is to reduce the operator's stress-level while maintaining or increasing productivity. The framework was evaluated with a platform for assembling a miniature robot. Results showed that the framework was able to effectively detect moments of stress and adapt the cobot's manipulation speed accordingly. The framework could be used to reduce operator stress and improve productivity in a variety of industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the competitiveness of industrial companies. It follows up on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which has dramatically changed the trends in the field of production. Its aim is a cost evaluation of automated manufacturing systems, mainly considering the impact of personnel costs on costs of production. Calculation is performed on a full cost basis. Also, the paper includes a case study, which demonstrates the difference in personnel costs between two identical production units located in different countries. The outcome aims to either prove or disprove the assumption that the personnel costs of automated production systems do not have a significant impact on production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the dominance impacts of environmental factors such as illuminance (lx), operative temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), air flow velocity (m.s-1) on the operators' productivity at mechanical engineering industry. The subject were workers of the workstation space at the assembly section of the factory. Two sets of representative data level and production rate were collected by objective and subjective methods. All monitored factors were measured using calibrated multifunction apparatus which is capable to measure those mentioned environmental factors simultaneously. The obtained data from questionary survey realized in the same factory were statistical calculates with goal to identify the most significant factors from point of productivity view. Then was being utilized to find the sequence of dominance factors that contributed to the productivity of operator at the specified production workstation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent proliferation of smart manufacturing technologies has emerged the concept of hybrid automation for assembly systems utilizing the best of humans and robots in a combination. Based on the ability to work alongside human-workers the next generation of industrial robots (or robotics 2.0) are referred to as collaborative robots or cobots. This paper presents a systematic framework based on Roozenburg's engineering design cycle for the deployment of cobots in existing assembly cells for enhanced productivity. A model for defining evaluation-parameters for a cobot are presented. The effectiveness of virtual simulations is discussed for validation and optimization of human-robot work environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 has recently become a frequent topic at a number of expert conferences and even in the mass media. It is typically discussed in the context of process productivity improvement but also in relation to the fear of job losses. The situation is unprecedented where for the first time in history white-collar jobs are under threat and high-qualification professional class faces the prospect of economic decline. This paper reviews Industry 4.0 from the perspective of benefits and risks which are not related to societal aspects but exclusively to serial production data from the automotive industry. It deals with implementation and evaluation of the effect of substitution of human labour upon RPN (risk priority number) indicators which are used for process classification in the PFMEA (Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis) method as required by the IATF 16949 (International Automotive Task Force) international automotive standard. The article describes the PFMEA method, the inputs and analyses the inputs and outputs of the FMEA method in a real-world environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an introduction of two simulation environments for the purpose of optimizing production line. The time in which we are implementing the concept of Industry 4.0, a part of which is based on automated and robotic production systems, we want to pre-check financial and production efficiency of the proposed new updated concept of our existing production line. A comparison of two different programming environments for discrete systems simulation will be presented in this paper on the applied industrial example. Simulation model enables calculation of machine utilization, throughput time, number of finished products and minimum needed workers (MNW). If we want to justify the use of simulation environments for the purpose of optimizing production, we must firstly show the real world example as in presented paper. The result will justify the redesign of the existing production line and justify the use of simulation software tools for carrying out preliminary tests to create new more productive production line, which is designed on concept of Industry 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study a systematic approach for determination and analysis of energy efficiency potential in socks manufacturing system was applied in order stimulate rational energy consumption. Moreover, an overview of socks manufacturing process was provided upon which significant energy uses in form of systems/processes/operation were identified. Although, all significant energy users should have appropriate energy sub-meters which can then be simply used to quantify the consumption of each use, in reality, few or none of energy uses are sub-metered, indicating that their consumption should be estimated. Consequently, a variety of models and statistical methods which can be used to describe energy use in manufacturing systems were recognized, while a general multivariable regression method for measuring industrial energy efficiency potential that takes into account changes in weather and production volume as major drivers of energy use in majority of manufacturing systems was applied in order to reveal opportunities for improving productivity through energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate and infer new range for productivity factor for Use Case Points method. Productivity factor is a ratio of man hours per use case point. In this paper, we use linear regression as an inference tool for productivity factor. This value is inferred from three different datasets. Then, we compared these inferred values with standard value for productivity factor. This study use MMRE (Mean Magnitude of Relative Error) measure and standard statistical methods for reliability assessment. The MMRE is also used for all comparisons. The experimental results show that the range for productivity factor is much narrow than recommended values with the mean of 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work sampling is the process that estimates the proportion of time of the workday spent by workers (or machines) on different activities (work or non-work), based on sufficient random observations of activities over a period of time. When jobs do not have short cycle times or high repetition rates the use of such statistical technique is required, because work sampling data can provide information that can be used to establish standards. The work sampling procedure is well standardized by the recommended steps, but some contributions are possible in the evaluation of the observations. In the paper we present our contribution in the improvement of the decision process based on the work sampling data. We introduce the correlation comparison of the measured hourly proportions of all pairs of activities to check, if there are some interrelationships. The results enable easier decision making (conclusions) about the influence of the selected activities to trigger the others. This is bringing us to better production system's efficiency and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, manufacturing is on the threshold of the fourth industrial revolution. It means the increase of enterprise productivity requirements. To improve the productivity, factories have to implement advanced analytical algorithms. It means the increasing demand for big data technology and cloud services for modern manufacturing systems. Therefore, different technologies operating information from Web as well as from field level and top level manufacture information systems should offer high degree of interoperability. For instance, the implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts technologies will be presented on the example of steel transportation for continuous casting production, to access benefits unavailable before. This paper refers to the problems of Cloud Services and Big Data usage in order to enhance productivity of steel transportation system on metallurgical plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of terms, concepts, trends and technologies that are relevant to today's business. It describes the basics of data and information integration and flow in a company through a central ERP system with concepts of CRM and SCM. The emergence of big data as a tributary of a huge number of often unstructured data from different sources can become a central problem or opportunity for advancement and achievement of competitive advantages of a company. Ignorance of key figures and/or the non-acceptance of new business conditions, new technologies and possible deployment solutions are the main reasons for non-productivity and poor business performance. To demonstrate the dynamics of appearance and popularity of terms, concepts, trends and technologies this paper offers a tabular overview of the frequencies based on the data from 3 global databases. Meta analysis shows the expected future development of analytical trends and technologies. This paper is intended for those who lead, run and participate in projects of implementation of large software systems, dealing with quality management of business, or want to understand the complexity of this area and the future directions of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous monitoring of air emissions is a precondition for establishing a baseline impact assessment and effective implementation of Cleaner Production indicator system related to air emissions. This paper is going to present the air monitoring system established in the Usje cement Plant. Usje cement Plant is a member of the TITAN Group, a multiregional producer of cement and an active part of the community. The plant is located in the south-eastern part of Skopje, the capitol of Republic of Macedonia. Following TITAN Policy on Environment, focused on minimizing the impact of business activity on the natural world, Usje cement Plant is the first company in the country that has established independent continuous air monitoring system. Established air monitoring System, enables closely monitor the emissions on real time basis and take action accordingly. At the same time, it gives to the stakeholders regular, and updated information on our performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing performance demands in the mechanical manufacturing field have lead to a great development of the machine tools domain, during the past decades, regarding especially the productivity and the manufacturing precision. When equipping a machine tool with an automatic tool changer and an automatic pallet mechanism, the obtained result is a machining center. For single or small series products, multiaxis machining centers fulfill the precision and productivity requirements, through the advantages of a reduced auxiliary time and reduced operating errors. This paper presents a new technical solution of the index table mechanism used on multi-axis machining centers, which significantly helps reduce the auxiliary time in the manufacturing process. The mechanical structure of the table mechanism described in this paper offers the possibility to obtain a very high positioning precision, using a curvic coupling and a hidraulically driven table clamp/unclamp mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the current state of the Croatian computer industry with a brief historical overview and to show the ways how to improve it using the microeconomic analytical tools. After estimating the production function for computer industry in Croatia, it is shown that due to the decreasing returns to scale this sector should rise through the rise of the total factor productivity. Estimating the TFP model for Croatian computer industry, it is sown that the export orientation of the company increases its TFP. It is also proven that computer industry's TFP rises as the number of the companies in this sector rises which confirms that competitiveness improves productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a general concept of using a 3D scanner in production conditions, as an alternative to inspection and test devices. The tested object was a body of HCVB6 high-pressure valve. The input from the test object is a cloud of points acquired from the scanning of the valve body and a virtual 3D model. Comparing the virtual model with the factual itemprovided conditions to perform control and measurement analysis. The paper contains measurement results of the valve body obtained with Atos scanner manufactured by GOM company and "GOM Inspect" software. The concept of 3D scanning in production conditionsshows the advantages and disadvantages of the control and measurement process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material flow design, its simulation and selection of organizational form of machines layout is important part of production design. The further part of the production design is the selection of machines layout form, which depends on the material flow. It is included technological, subject, free, modular and cellular layout. Free machines layout was selected for the shaft production, because it was not possible advance exactly to determine the material flow, organizational and running relations and following individual operations. The machines and conveyors utilization was possible to determine on the based of material flow simulation in Witness program. On the based statistics I recommend to realize the further research, which will consist in the change of machines layout, for example cellular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the contribution is to describe reliability control in technical systems with focus on maximizing overall system reliability by the means of optimal selection of basic elements or by proper redundancy of the elements. The contribution shows an alternative of technical system reliability increase by the means of passive reliability increase of its parts. Further, possibilities of reliability increase by the means of active and passive reserve are described, as a higher level of reliability control in technical systems. In conclusion, summary of particular ways of reliability increase is presented on an example of a given technical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The companies from the naval sector are subject to a strong pressure from competitors and clients; this results in a high level of exigency in the execution of their projects. Within this framework, the application of the existing best practices and the use of worldwide project management standards become key pieces for these companies. This article puts forward the experiences gathered from the adaptation of the PMI methodology to a SME from Galician naval auxiliary industry. It deals with the different risk management implementation stages of a strategic project, showing the advantages and the keys to the project's success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the investments results from the role they play in the process of an adaptation of the company and in increasing its competitiveness. The major principle of an evaluation of the investment is a complex assessment of the effectiveness of the investment, i.e. assessment from the point of view of economical, ecological, as well as social effectiveness. The main target of this article is to explain the concept of innovation, investment, efficiency, social efficiency and the necessity to pay the attention to the social efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to give an insight into the main structural features of the Croatian banking sector: it's classification according to the size of assets, the ownership structure and concentration ratios. The authors find it interesting to analyze the mentioned structural features of the Croatian banking sector, since banking in Republic of Croatia has been transformed from a problem sector into a propulsive sector which managed to achieve relatively stable results despite the oscillations caused by the crisis from 2008/2009. Moreover, Croatian banking sector becomes very compatible with the EU banking system, thanks to its organizational and functional structure, i.e. due to its structural features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presented work the evaluation of the kinematic and dynamic performances of the innovative design of the loading mechanism in the hip joint wear simulator – weartesting machine – is carried out. The loading mechanism is made on the basis of the accessories set for running (an electromechanical axis) produced by known FESTO Company, and provides the accuracy of reproducing the specified waveform of the applied force according to the ISO 14242 Standard. It is shown in the paper that owing to the equilibrium of the basic links of the mechanism, the dynamic loads arising in the process of work of the device are essentially less than the operating loads – which allows carrying out the drive control over the movement parameter of the axis' moving slide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work is presented an optimization solution of correcting withdrawal rollers to the withdrawal of the semifinished products of steel to vertical continuous casting plant of steel for increase the productivity of continuous casting process. To optimize rollers was used statistical calculations applied to experimental measurements obtained directly from the withdrawal of blanks and using modern techniques, such as: CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) for design, modeling and optimization of rollers. Also, has been used finite element method (FEM) for static and dynamic simulations, the behavior of withdrawal-straightening rolls in continuous casting process for determining stress, strain and displacement that occur in this process concerning the semi-finished products withdrawn. The studies aim to improve the process of withdrawal of the semi continuous castings with vertical curvilinear wire of steel for improve the quality of semi-finished products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of bearing steels in industrial production is continuously increasing. These steels are not fit for working unless soft-annealed. The purpose of this annealing process is to obtain globular carbides which will be uniformly distributed in the matrix. Conventional methods of annealing steel stock to obtain globular pearlite require long soaking times: up to several tens of hours, which is due to the diffusional nature of the process. The research into rapid carbide spheroidisation aims to significantly shorten selected heat treatment processes. The present paper presents investigation of rapid carbide spheroidisation and a decrease in hardness in 100Cr6 bearing steel. The newly designed schedules are several times shorter than conventional heat treating procedures. This brings a vast potential in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of the calculation of the activities cost in the quality management system in conditions of piece and small batch production has been presented in the paper. The prerequisites of using Activity Based Costing to calculate cost of production and processes in enterprise has been indicated. The model of quality assurance activities cost calculation has been worked out. The advantages of proposed solutions have been pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the utilization of knowledge discovery process from manufacturing system control by using simulation models. The simulation models of manufacturing systems have been developed to obtain the necessary data about production. Obtained data have to be stored and preprocessed. A data warehouse solution is suitable for this purpose. The various analyses can be performed over stored and preprocessed data by using the process of knowledge discovering in databases. The aim of this process is to obtain new, valid, comprehensible and potentially useful knowledge from the production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the probability of failure of a safety function is the basis for an approval procedure for machines which constitute a danger for their operation. This article demonstrates a few aspects of this evaluation and advocates an adjustment of the current evaluation procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinking at the most recently financial and economical evolutions on international level, we can easily conceive that the collateral effects of economical globalization and market integration, represents the main issues debated in specialized professional or political circles. In this context, the authors have concluded that the international effort should be oriented first toward remodeling the fundamental economic theory implicated in revealing the real features of globalization process. Thus, in particular, this paperwork has approached, as a first step of an ample demarche, the price market mechanism contemporary functionality within a globalized framework. Studying the last macroeconomic evolutions in statistics terms, the authors are asserting that the actual model of market prices mechanism is totally obsolete, being distorted by the credit evolution and by its corresponsive artificial consumption. The paperwork is subsequent to an ample research program developed by the authors, aiming to rebuild the theoretical basis of the new contemporary economic realities. As research conclusions, approaching an analytic method, the authors have proposed a new model for price mechanism, that should take under consideration the sustainable consumption related to real incomes and industrial output, but not distorted by the irrational credit policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure multiple-lifecycle of products through remanufacturing intervention requires a well-functioning closed-loop supply network. Generally, the unpredictability of quantity, timing and quality (physical functional) of the returned products and demand fluctuation of the remanufactured products are the main sources of uncertainty of closed-loop supply network. To some extent, efficient recollection strategies and separate distribution channels for remanufactured products can minimize the uncertainty. Nevertheless, efficient recollection does not necessarily close the loop if the recovered products do not enter into the main stream of the supply network. Beside, products that are distributed through separate channels create an open loop. Thus, the problem of uncertainty remains unsolved. The aim of this paper is to propose solutions to minimize the uncertainty involved in designing a well-functioning closed-loop supply network using the system dynamics principle and tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing of low rigidity components still remains a challenge for aeronautical industry where aircraft components must vanish new restrictive conditions what leads to conservative cutting parameters with the consequent loss of productivity. The following study faces the problem of maximizing the mass removal rate (MMR) in medium turning by means of two different approaches. The first part of the study involves the stability prediction by means of the frequency-domain method applied to a flexible part to detect the maximum productivity stable zones. The benefits from using this model are found through validation tests. A second approach to the problem involves the investigation of a relatively new process, namely turn-milling, to maximize the MMR. This technique is investigated through tool life test series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have started the elaboration of this paper from the gross internal product calculated owing to the production method and we have followed its evolution according to resources categories during the period 2004-2007. At the same time, the approach also focuses upon aspects regarding the influence of the main components of aggregated offer on the growth of real gross internal product as well as the evolution of the gross internal product according to activity branches, during the same period, namely 2004-2007. The previously mentioned aspects emphasize their various consequences upon Romania's economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electro-discharge machining (EDM) is an important manufacture technology in machining difficult-to-cut materials and to shape complicated contours and profiles with high material removal rate, low tool wear and good tolerances. However, this capability could be deteriorated due to electrode wear leading to decrease of process productivity. Studying the electrode wear and related significant factors would be effective to enhance the machining productivity and process reliability. In this research, an experimental study is conducted to investigate the electrode wear in die-sinking EDM and to build a tool wear compensation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main cutting parameters for evaluating the quality of the machined surface at the laser cutting are: kerf width, width of heat affected zone and surface roughness. It is imperative to get a product with a minimum kerf width and heat affected zone with achieving the required quality cut. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to optimization of processing parameters in laser cutting of alloy steel 1.4828 (X15CrNiMoSi20-12) with a thickness of 3 mm. Cutting is carried out in the CO2 laser with. Most influential parameters on the cut quality are varied such as: cutting speed, focus position and oxygen assist gas pressure. Significant improvements in decreasing the kerf width and width of heat affected zone as well as increasing the quality of the machined surface are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important and significant source of competitiveness for enterprises is the productivity, which is the ability to produce more output with the same or less input. This paper proposes an analysis and a model for productivity improving for production line (assembly line), using the relations between indicators that characterize production processes, such as: tact time, cycle time, number of posts (or jobs), loading volume of production. The paper give the model and the guidance lines for the right way of improving productivity, to adopt strategies and decisions to perform better from the production function point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In advanced manufacturing technology, high machining productivity can be achieved by increasing the cutting speed. However, cutting temperature is one of the limiting factors in this effort. in this paper, turning with actively driven rotary tool was investigated on compound multi-axis machine tool. Experimental results show that the cutting temperature decreased with increasing tool rotational speed to a minimum value at a certain tool rotational speed and then increased. And the resultant cutting force decreases with an increased tool rotation speed. Then high machining productivity may be achieved for difficult-to-cut materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the laser cutting is achieving the desired cut quality with minimum kerf width in order to materials saving. Also, the imperative is reducing of the maximum size of heat affected zone as well as defining the maximum possible cutting speed and thereby increase the level of techno-economical justification of the application of this technology. In this paper, the influence of the process parameters on the cut quality and productivity in CO2 laser cutting of 1.45 71 steel of 4 mm thick by using air as assist gas is analyzed. The influence of laser power, cutting speed, focus position and assist gas pressure on the kerf width, the size of heat affected zone and surface roughness is investigated. Significant improvements in reducing of the kerf with to 0.2 75 mm and reducing of size heat affected zone to 2.161 mm are achieved. The minimum value of surface roughness (Ra = 2.0933 /μm,). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's rapid changes on the goods market require an increased flexibility of the production systems. However, increasing the flexibility usually also increases the complexity of the system, and therefore the costs per part produced. The challenge is to develop control strategies capable to increase the flexibility and productivity of a production system, while at the same time reducing the associated costs. We propose a control strategy capable to respond to this challenge. Using multitasking programming and optimal routing, we implement a controller capable to increase the system's productivity by more than 25% without reducing the flexibility of the manufacturing system. The strategy proposed reduces the manufacturing cost per part since the productivity increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes performance measurement methodology of construction projects from construction company view. Traditional performance indicators (time, cost, quality) are not sufficient for balanced view of project success or fail. They are lagging indicators because they constitute results of project execution and do not show drivers performance indicators of construction projects. Project scorecard (PSC) is methodology of translating the project plans and goals in criteria success through financial and non- financial indicators in performance measurement system. For each defined project goals it is need to determine critical success factors and appropriate key performance indicators. PSC is founded on requests of the projects technical specifications and project management. Contribution of PSC application is in efficiency execution construction company strategy through their projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency, the up-to-dateness of the production has an important role for the companies. This statement is true for both the products and for the process of production. The realisation of distribution, production should meet high requirements regarding the efficiency. Nowadays, the logistics is generally recognized as a basic tool methodology to achieve these aims. The optimal structure of the purchasing system is a key element for the success of the companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we focus on functional and technological remodelling applied on manufacturing network architectures. Based on the process and material flow simulation of concentrated & diffused manufacturing systems the multipolar synchronous simulation uses both remodelling techniques mentioned above. As a study case we are going to use a three node manufacturing network composed of two diffused manufacturing points and a concentrated one used as an assembly point. The result is a manufacturing architecture simulation model that offers accurate results regarding the productivity of each node as well as of the entire network. In order to optimize manufacturing systems architecture, finally, the multipolar distributed simulation composed of three linked individual simulations is successfully performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of our work are to find strategic solution for a real plant in difficulty in order to manage the plant slump. In order to capture the practical evidence the methodology used by authors consists in sensitive analysis: to design a Business Plan and to simulate the situation (realist, optimist and pessimist scenario - Reserve Plan) of the studied plant. In realist scenario sales have positive trend. In optimist scenario authors model the sales, direct headcount, labour productivity and labour efficiency. In pessimist scenario the authors model sales, cost of sales, direct labour fluctuation and direct headcounts. Finally, after sensitive analysis is done the authors give solutions and make propositions for studied plant necessity to surpass its uncertain situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]