Industrial Human Augmentation System (iHAS) for Improved Shipyard Operations
NCMS Project #: 140710
Problem: Building Navy ships is a very rigorous and exhausting task performed each day by workers at shipyards. Non-augmented workers endure injuries from muscle fatigue, ergonomic stress, and exhaustion on a daily basis from manipulating heavy tools for extended periods of time. Because of this, shipyards lose millions of dollars each year through workers’ compensation and training new worker.
Benefit:
- Reduce worker fatigue and strain
- Reduce total ownership costs
- Reductions in rework
Solution/Approach: The work that will be accomplished under this project includes two prototype iHAS units for test and evaluation (T&E) of many different maintenance and repair applications doing actual production work at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. To facilitate project execution, two MANTIS units will be leased to the Navy to begin T&E until the next generation units are ready for delivery. The T&E will include measuring worker productivity, work quality and ergonomic considerations. In addition, a Safety Assessment of the iHAS will be performed by a cross organizational, multi-service team to assess the risks of using an iHAS in comparison to the benefits the iHAS provides.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Boost productivity
- Reduce injuries
- Improve quality
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Navy (Puget Sound)
- U.S. Navy (NSWC Carderock)
Industry Participation:
- Lockheed Martin
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Maintenance avoidance and reliability
- Obsolescence management and continued maintenance capability
- Positive environmental impact
- Maintenance management improvement
- Improved readiness
Focus Area:
- Energy, environmental, health, and safety