On July 10th and 11th, a significant workshop was held at the Andreu World Est building in Riba-Roja de Turia, Valencia. The event brought together operators from the Painting Line, focusing on both the painting and sanding processes, to share their insights and experiences about their daily routines, decision-making processes, and the most challenging and enjoyable aspects of their roles.
This collaborative workshop aimed to envision how AI tools could be integrated into their work to enhance efficiency and job satisfaction.
During the workshop, operators were interviewed about their perceptions of technology and how it currently impacts their work. They were then asked to graphically represent, using stickers on a sheet, their ideas on how AI tools could assist them in their tasks. This interactive session provided a clear visual comparison between the current state of their work processes and a potential future enhanced by AI integration.
The primary objective of the meeting was to gather insights from the workers about how they perceive the integration of AI tools with human labor in the painting process. Understanding their viewpoints is crucial for developing AI solutions that are not only effective but also user-friendly and supportive of their daily work.
The finding showed that routines for painting involve preparing and applying paint or finish, while sanding includes smoothing and polishing pieces. Operators reported that variations in their routines mainly arise from defects in the material or disruptions in the production line. For painting, colour matching and equal application are critical, while sanding challenges include avoiding stripping and ensuring smoothness without damaging the surface.
Decision-making and error correction involve a combination of independent problem-solving and seeking assistance from supervisors or more experienced colleagues for complex issues. Operators highlighted the importance of quick and efficient error correction to maintain workflow continuity. Challenges for new operators include mastering the techniques required for equal colour application in painting and achieving precision in sanding without causing damage. These tasks demand a high level of skill and attention to detail, making initial training crucial.
Operators expressed a desire for improvements such as better lighting in painting cabins and more powerful aspiration systems for sanding. Training plans were generally well-received, though there was a consensus that additional support from experienced colleagues would enhance learning.
Regarding technological advancements, operators see significant potential in the integration of collaborative robotics to enhance efficiency and reduce physical strain. In painting, a robot could be used to handle repetitive and physically demanding tasks such as handling the objects, painting chair legs or mixing colours. The operator would oversee the process, ensuring the robot is supplied with the correct painting materials and checking the quality of the painted pieces. This would not only improve efficiency but also reduce fatigue associated with manual painting.
For sanding, operators suggested that a robotic system could be employed to handle the bulk of the sanding work, especially for straightforward surfaces. The operator would then inspect the pieces, performing detailed sanding where necessary. This approach would maintain high-quality standards while significantly speeding up the process. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) technology could be used to highlight defects and areas requiring attention, making it easier for operators to achieve uniform results and identify issues that might be missed by the naked eye.
Incorporating these technological aids would allow human workers to focus on more complex tasks and quality control, ultimately enhancing overall productivity and job satisfaction.
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