Comparative models for minimizing ergonomic risk in assembly lines

Abstract

We present a new mathematical model for the assembly line balancing problem with the objective of maximizing the line comfort to operators. Besides minimizing discrepancies between the ergonomic risks of workstations, balancing is subject to temporal and spatial conditions for the workstations. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, we compare it with other mathematical model whose objective is minimizing the maximum ergonomic risk of a mixed-model assembly line. To compare the models, a case study linked to Nissan’s engine plant in Barcelona (NMISA, Nissan Motor Ibérica – BCN).