A Control Theoretic Model Approach to Time and Motion Study with Applications in Manual Assembly Tasks

In this dissertation a Physical Model was developed with applications in time motion study for pick-and-place tasks. A review of relevant literature was presented with focus on current time motion study practices and previous works of control theoretic models of human pilots, of which the Physical Model is based on. A method of tuning the Physical Model using Quantitative Feedback Theory was also proposed. The resulting tuned Physical Model was able to generate hand movement trajectories that agrees well with experiment data. The model was then applied in a predictive fashion and was able to successfully estimate movement time for manual pick-and-place tasks found in the industry.