As part of KAMAZ's Production System, the company's first ergonomic workstation was organized at the Press and Stamping Plant with the karakuri principle to improve productivity and working conditions for frame assembly workers.
Karakuri are technical devices made from aluminum tubes and components. They are intended to lower, lift and move light objects. The principle of karakuri modules is based on the laws of physics, so they are quite simple in their design. Thus, the first sample module at the Press and Stamping Plant looking like a cart with trays was made by a service engineer of the shop in order to deliver components. Financial costs of the prototype were minimal.
The first device with mechanized trays for components appeared in a clincher's workplace and improved human factors and ergonomics of this territory. The mechanism is used in the manufacturing process of future cab frames: it transports metalware from a rack to a workplace. The karakuti principle applied reduces the personnel's fatigability in their daily activities, the risk of occupational diseases, and increases productivity.
The module is universal and can be used on other jobs. The carts will be invaluable in the warehouse and conveyor line. In the near future, other devisions of the Press and Stamping Plant and other plants of the auto giant plan to adopt this experience. At least thirty benchmark jobs with karakuri will be arranged to meet the goals of KAMAZ's Production System.