This study presents an approach to solving the assembly line balancing problem (ALBP) using the Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) time standard and simulation software. ALBP is a common problem in manufacturing where a set of tasks with fixed times must be assigned to a series of sequential workstations in order to minimize the total idle time and reduce the assembly cost per product. This study uses MTM, a widely used production process scheduling method, to create a new time analysis of an assembly process that was previously balanced using the Work-Factor method and time study. This literature review shows that there are a lack of combinations of updated time analyses with newer simulation approaches in the current literature, and this was the motivation for the present work. An assembly line simulation was performed using Simio software to evaluate different design options and operating scenarios. The results show that the use of MTM and simulation can help minimize idle time and improve assembly line performance, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This study shows that the approach of using MTM and simulation is effective in solving ALBP and is a useful tool for manufacturing companies to improve the performance of their assembly lines and reduce costs.

Workers with disabilities are still lagging in employment rates compared to the healthy workforce. Those workers are also more sensitive for stress at work and possible injuries that are usually connected with non-adequate workplace design. Generally, absenteeism presents high costs for companies and costs can be even higher if injuries at work occur. Therefore, companies face the problem of identifying a suitable workplace for workers with disabilities, and supplying the needed requirements. The purpose of our research was to develop a decision support system that would aid in the process of identifying and categorizing disabilities of workers, and assigning the most suitable workplace with needed requirements in an integrated work environment to ensure high safety, productivity and satisfaction. Developed decision support system is also a step toward prevention of injuries at work. The usefulness of the system has been shown in a case study of a large sized production company. Practitioner Summary: The purpose of our research was to develop a decision support system that would aid companies to identify a suitable workplace for workers with disabilities with needed requirements in an integrated work environment to ensure high safety, productivity and satisfaction with lower costs.

In the time of Industry 4.0, the dynamic adaptation of companies to global market demands plays a key role in ensuring sustainable financial and time justification. Financial accessibility, a wide range of user-friendliness, and credible results of the visual computing methods and data-driven simulation modeling enable a higher degree of usability in small, medium, and large enterprises. This paper presents an innovative method for modelling and simulating workplaces in manufacturing based on visual data captured with a spherical camera. The presented approach uses simulation scenarios to investigate the optimization of manual or collaborative workplaces. We evaluated and compared three simulated scenarios, the results of which highlight the potential for improvement regarding manufacturing productivity and cost. In addition, ergonomic analyses of a manual assembly workplace were performed using existing evaluation metrics. The results show the possibility of creating a three-dimensional model of a workplace captured with a spherical camera, which not only describes the model dimensionally but also adds terminological and other production parameters obtained through the analysis of manufacturing system videos. The confirmation of the appropriateness of introducing collaborative workstations is also confirmed by ergonomic analyses Ovaco working analyzing system (OWAS) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), which demonstrate the sustainable limits of manual assembly workplaces.

A motion capture system (MoCap) records and tracks the real-time movements of objects or people, generating data that can also be used for ergonomic analysis. Using specialised cameras and sensors, these systems translate movements into digital data that can animate figures or objects in a digital environment. While they are widely used in industries such as film, video games, sports, virtual reality and biomechanics, MoCap systems can also be used in the ergonomic design of workplaces. These systems allow researchers to analyse human movements, identify risks such as repetitive movements, awkward postures or excessive forces and develop solutions to improve safety, comfort and performance. The collected data helps to optimise workplace design, products and processes, reduce musculoskeletal disorders and improve well-being. Recent advancements have made motion capture systems highly sophisticated and capable of recognising subtle movements and expressions with exceptional precision. This paper consists of two parts: a concise literature review and a case study. The literature review explores the application of advanced human motion capture technologies in manufacturing and highlights their potential for ergonomic improvements. The case study illustrates these applications and provides practical insights into how motion capture can transform the design and functionality of workplaces.