Can you give me a hand? A case study of the effect of collaborative robot implementation from an operator perspective

Abstract

Abstract Although the implementation of collaborative robots (cobots) in manufacturing has gained significant attention, few studies have examined the challenges operators face throughout the implementation process in real-life production contexts. In response, this study adopted a longitudinal design to investigate the implications of cobot implementation within a brownfield manufacturing setting across three distinct process phases: deployment initiation, operational testing and calibration, and full-scale integration. An exploratory case study was conducted at a Danish multinational company known for its measured approach to automation and strong commitment to job security, which helped reduce potential bias in assessing operators’ perspectives on automation. Data were collected through multiple rounds of semi-structured interviews, enabling the study to capture nuanced insights into operators’ evolving experiences over time. The results contribute to the literature by offering a detailed understanding of the human-centered dynamics of cobot integration, including safety, trust, communication and collaboration, which are critical for addressing implementation barriers. Furthermore, actionable recommendations for enhancing cobot adoption strategies in smart manufacturing are provided, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology integration with operator well-being and organizational practices.