Assessment of the potential of gamification in manual assembly

Abstract

Digitization of production systems in the context of industry 4.0 imposes new challenges on workers in assembly lines. For instance, even though it enables smaller batch sizes and customized products, certain tasks may become more standardized and repetitive, causing workers’ attention and motivation to decline. Assistance systems can provide the necessary support for workers and contribute to overcoming the new challenges. The integration of gamification is considered to be a valuable tool to further increase user encouragement. This paper assesses gamification as a measure to improve workers’ motivation and production key performance indicators (KPI) (e.g., productivity) at the same time. In an empirical study in the protected environment of a learning factory during an assembly step of an electrical engine a wearable device is used to track the number of screwing operations which serves as an input for gamification elements like levels or badges. While examining different settings, the subject’s heart rate variability (HRV) is monitored. After the execution of the experiment, motivation, and stress among other factors of cognitive load are assessed by a questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire are then benchmarked against the HRV measurements

Keywords: Human-Centered I4.0, gamification, production, assistance system