Human-Machine Function Allocation in Manufacturing Systems: A Review

The history, successes, failures and future needs that relate to the allocation of functions to humans and or machines in manufacturing environments are presented. The various methodologies that have been proposed for performing function allocation are discussed. The basic process involves matching the capabilities and limitations of the particular human or automated system with the requirements imposed by the manufacturing operation. This process can range from a global, systems approach down to the delineation of specific capabilities of humans and automated systems. Both recent advances and obstacles to the effective allocation of tasks to humans or machines based on the capabilities of each are presented. The current status and the areas where future research and development are needed are discussed.