Design Process for Concept Development of Human-Robot Workstations for People with Disabilities

Abstract

People with disabilities (PwD) have the right to equal participation in the labor market under the 2008 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [1], yet OECD data indicates that PwD remain excluded, with a 15% unemployment rate in 2019 across 32 OECD countries, and an 8.6% higher unemployment rate compared to people without disabilities [2]. With the growth of the elderly population and, consequently PwD, employers will face labor shortages [3]. The European Commission advocates for technology, like human-robot collaboration, to create ergonomic workplaces adapted to individual needs, aiming to enhance PwD inclusion and alleviate labor shortages [4].