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Jidoka or AutonomationThis is a central component of The Toyota Production System. The origins of autonomation or Jidoka as it is called in Japanese can be traced to the founder of Toyota, Sakichi Toyoda (1867 - 1930). He developed the Toyoda power loom, the world`s first automatic loom with a non-stop shuttle change motion and automatic stopping device. Having machines do the job of an operator. Develop automation into autonomation - that is, automation with a human element.
Dig a little deeper into Toyota History and the origins of autonomation, Click here.
Clarify the jobs and separate jobs for humans from jobs for machines. Jobs that require a combination of a human and a machine is very complicated in practice. By including human functions into the machine operation, the jobs for humans and machines can be separated. If it creates workforce savings, it is worth the investment. Mechanization must be developed to the level where the human element is integrated. Adding a human element (or autonomation) means the machines have the ability to stop production if an abnormality or problem occurs. This judgement function has to be included. This is autonomation. Jidoka`s Basic Rules1. Stop the line (or design the line so it will stop in the event of a malfunction). 2. Make it easy to detect malfunctions. 3. Separate work to be done by humans from work to be done by machines.
Autonomation vs. AutomationJidoka 1. If a malfunction occurs, the machine shall detect the malfunction and stop itself. Automation 1. If a malfunction occurs, the machine will continue operating until someone turns off a switch.
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