Virtual Assembly Simulation and Ergonomics Analysis for the Industrial Manipulator Based on DELMIA

To investigate the application of virtual assembly simulation for the industrial manipulator and improve work efficiency and ergonomics, we performed the study on the interactive assembly operation simulation including the use of the non-powered and/or powered hand tools in a virtual workshop environment based on the Digital Enterprise Lean Manufacturing Interactive Application (DELMIA) software simulation platform. Manual assembly work is often associated with ergonomically poor conditions that result in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which result in low productivity and quality problems. Aiming at finding out the impact of bad body postures, postural analysis tool using Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) selected for assessment that indicates that the workers are working above the secure limit. To reduce operator's fatigue and improve assembly quality and efficiency, the paper then proposed improvement scheme of assembly work postures and the surrounding work environment based on the ergonomics analysis and evaluation results. Simulation test showed the improved design could avoid inadequate working postures during assembly task performing and effectively improve assembly quality. This study provides a reference for the industrial manipulator assembly task in small-scale robotics industry, which has great significance for the increasingly competitive domestic robotics industry.