Effect of Industry 4.0 technologies adoption on the learning process of workers in a quality inspection operation
Guilherme Luz Tortorella, Michel J. Anzanello, Flávio S. Fogliatto, Jiju Antony, Daniel Luiz de Mattos Nascimento
Abstract
This study examines the effect of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies on the learning process of operators. We collected data from the training of new operators in a quality inspection workstation. Two distinct scenarios were considered: before and after the adoption of I4.0 technologies. Data from 10 operators were collected in each scenario; the quality inspection cycle was repeated by each operator 30 consecutive times. A 2-parameter hyperbolic learning curve model was used to assess the learning process in the two groups. Results indicated that operators supported by I4.0 technologies had a significantly higher learning rate than those performing the same tasks without I4.0 support. No significant difference was found in the final performance level between groups. Our study bridges a theoretical gap in the relationship between I4.0 and learning by directly comparing the effect of digital support on the training of new employees in a manufacturing environment. We also offer arguments to support managerial decisions with regards to I4.0 adopti-on at an operational level. That allows organisations to prioritise their digitalisation efforts so that the training of operators in workstations can be expedited.