Methods for Selecting Level of Automation: A Critical Comparison of Approaches and Integrated Proposal

The purpose of this paper is to first review and then propose methods for determining the appropriate levels of automation for assembly operations. Based on a literature review in decision making methods, an evaluation against method requirements is made. The analysis shows that no single method fulfills all the defined requirements, yet two methods are identified that jointly address all the requirements: Boothroyd’s and Dewhurst (B&D) method and the Dynamo method. B&D and Dynamo methods are then combined into a new method, exploiting elements of each. An additional step for graphical modeling of the assembly processes using the Assembly Sequence Modeling Language (ASML) is integrated to facilitate alternative exploration. This newly proposed method is discussed and revealed promising in the field of assembly systems Level of Automation (LoA) measurement and improvement.