Therblig

Therblig is a term coined by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, pioneers of industrial engineering, to describe the smallest unit of work that cannot be broken down into smaller, distinct motions. The term is derived from the Greek words "ther" meaning "to do" and "blig" meaning "a unit." Therbligs are fundamental to time and motion studies, which aim to analyze and improve the efficiency of work processes.

The Gilbreths identified five basic therbligs: inspection, transportation, manipulation, assembly, and delay. Each therblig represents a distinct motion or action that an individual performs while working. By breaking down tasks into therbligs, engineers can identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement in work processes.

Therbligs are used in various applications, including ergonomic analysis, process improvement, and workplace design. They help in understanding the physical and mental demands of a job, identifying potential hazards, and developing strategies to enhance productivity and safety. The concept of therbligs has been influential in the fields of industrial engineering, ergonomics, and human factors, contributing to the development of more efficient and ergonomic work environments.