Editorial: Human factors and cognitive ergonomics in advanced industrial human-robot interaction

Abstract

Collaborative robotics is a very promising technology for many industrial processes, including e.g., manufacturing, logistics, or construction. This new technology are also changing the environment for workers in industry. Research on human-robot interaction (HRI) will be crucial for enhancing the operator's work conditions and well-being, as well as production performance. In that regard, human factors, with a special emphasis on cognitive ergonomics are fundamental to implementing safe, fluent, and efficient collaborative applications. This Research Topic gathers a range of contributions on the study of Human Factors and Cognitive ergonomics in user-centered and collaborative applications in industrial settings. Here, we summarize these studies from the perspective of three pivotal areas impacted by collaborative robotics: workers' safety, performance, and well-being. The Reseach Topic provides a timely analysis of the changing landscape of industrial HRI as we stand on the cusp of a new era in industrial automation, defined by the fusion of human ingenuity and robotic efficiency. The contributions within offer practical insights and forwardthinking perspectives on how collaborative robotics can transform industrial workspaces in the future, in addition to reflecting state-of-the-art research in the field. A different aspect of this intricate relationship is covered by each article in this issue, from the social and psychological effects of incorporating robots into human-centered work environments to the complexities of design and implementation. Developing solutions that are both technologically sophisticated and human-centered requires a holistic approach, which is crucial for comprehending the complex nature of HRI.Before delving into the particulars of each contribution, we invite the reader to this brief summary, briefly presenting each contribution to the research topic through the lenses of safety, performance, and well-being.We hope that this will support reflections on the wider societal implications of HRC development, in addition to their technical and ergonomic aspects. A harmonious balance between human needs and machine capabilities will be key to the future of industry.In the field of Human Factors and Cognitive Ergonomics, introducing advanced collaborative robotic systems in production environments necessitates reevaluating safety from different perspectives, namely safety perceptions of workers, safety behaviours and mechanical safety. Integrating this technology in various industrial environments, such as manufacturing and logistics, prompts a critical examination of the interplay of the different elements interacting in the socio-technical system. As with any human-system interaction in the work context, a more ergonomic and anthropocentric system (characteristics that can be measured through optimisation of associated cognitive factors) implies greater safety in terms of prevention and mitigation of potential mechanical risk (understood as collisions, crushing, entrapment, etc.) and psychosocial risk as defined by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) such as excessive workload, lack of control, job insecurity or insufficient communication .The present special issue includes diverse studies, each exploring different aspects of safety in human-robot collaboration.The contribution by Mirnig et al. (2023) constitutes an excellent opening to the special issue. While focusing on automated material handling vehicles, Mirnig et al. discuss many design aspects that are applicable also to HRI more broadly, including contextual factors such as purpose and context of use, and many aspects of the interaction itself. The study by Onnasch et al. (2023) investigates how directing a worker's attention to specific targets with gaze communication can improve safety in humanrobot interaction by, first of all, suggesting how robotic eye design could affect operator attention and perceived cogniti