Application of FRAM to perform Risk Analysis of the Introduction of a Data Glove to Assembly Tasks

Abstract The manufacturing sector is an increasingly complex operational structure. This complexity is compounded when a new technology is introduced. In the context of industry 4.0, the development of new technologies and their introduction into assembly lines will lead to emerging and new occupational health and safety (OHS) and operational risks. In this study, these risks will be assessed using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) on realistic case studies to provide insight into OHS and the operational risks posed by the introduction of a data glove to an assembly system. FRAM presents components of the system as human, organizational and technological functions whose interactions might lead to a risk for the system. Findings show that FRAM is an appropriate method for risk analysis of such complex systems and provides a prospective approach to design an assembly 4.0 system that interacts with a data glove. However, FRAM provides less precise and detailed results in a proactive analysis than in a reactive analysis.