Worker assistance systems

In industrial control cabinet manufacturing, processes still feature a large number of manual steps. There is still considerable potential in particular in conductor preparation and processing. These time-consuming activities account for more than half of the control cabinet manufacturer’s working hours.

The clipx WIRE assist worker assistance system from Phoenix Contact is a “tool” for exploiting this potential as far as possible in terms of economy and efficiency.

The necessary wiring information for the software-supported completion of the processes is exported from standard CAE programs. The information is fed into the clipx WIRE assist system. In addition, an integrated editor function also allows data to be compiled manually.

Based on this data, the clipx Wire assist software guides the worker through the semi-automated conductor finishing process. At the same time, the system’s devices are controlled directly and the necessary information for further processing and wiring is visually enhanced and automatically displayed on the monitor in an easy-to-follow format.

The height-adjustable clipx WIRE assist workbench is designed to satisfy ergonomic requirements. One advantage of this is the ability to switch between sitting and standing while working and the system can also be adapted to the physical height of the worker and/or to the activity to be completed. Ideal positioning of the marking devices and automatic tools in the working area reduces the distance the worker needs to reach, which is another ergonomic benefit.

The worker assistance system is mounted on four industrial-grade castors with brakes, making it very mobile. This means that the system can be used where the work needs to be performed, thus reducing or even eliminating unnecessary legwork.

The system concept is based on lean principles such as 5S. These help to eliminate disorder and optimize organization. The shortest search-and-retrieve times are achieved through the use of multi-layer hard foam inserts in which each tool and aid has a predefined recess. Here, the tools that are used more frequently can be accessed easily and the tools used less often are positioned further away.