The Human Side of Robotics: How Worker's React to a Robot

Abstract

This study examines workers' reactions to t.he introduction of robots in a factory. The study focuses on understanding workers' psychological reactions to this new technology and to the manner in which it was introduced. Workers reported that both advantages (lower fatigue) and disadvantages (increased downtime) were associated with the introduction of the robot. Over time, worker s' beliefs about robots became more complex and pessimistic, Production operator's' jobs, as well as their interaction patterns with other production and support worker's changed with the introduction of the robot. Consequences of these changes for increases in job stress are examined. A set of strategies fer iintroducing robots in the factory is discussed.