Study explores the psychosocial risks of cobots

Collaborative robots are rapidly reshaping the Australian workplace, handling everything from heavy machinery to delicate surgical tasks, but a new study from Monash University Business School suggests that the use of cobots in the workplace may be having negative impacts on workers.

According to the study, the growing use of cobots may pose significant psychosocial risks to workers’ mental health and their job security. However, the study suggests there are ways for organisations to smooth the transition.

Automation, including cobots, is predicted to increase annual productivity growth in Australia by 50% to 150%. These technologies have the potential to add a further $170–600 billion per year to GDP by 2030, according to the National Robotics Strategy.

While cobots are often portrayed as increasing efficiency and speed, and providing a safe and reliable means to reduce physical workplace risk, less is known about the hidden psychosocial risks employees may be facing.

Monash Business School Professor Herman Tse and his research team found psychosocial hazards, such as job insecurity and role ambiguity, are common issues that affect workers as part of the growing use of collaborative workspace technologies such as cobots.

“Workers often perceive cobots as potential threats to their job stability, especially when collaboration between humans and machines is minimal,” he said. “Lower collaboration may be perceived as a strategy to automate work and replace operators with machines. This perception can lead to increased stress and decreased trust in new technologies.”

To support a smooth transition to cobots in the workplace, and reduce these risks, the study emphasises the urgent need for organisations to consider employees’ perception of collaborative robots and the stresses that arise from their growing use. It is hoped that this would lead to a broader organisational understanding about the importance of involving workers in the implementation process of cobots.

The research team found engaging employees through participatory change management and consultation can significantly reduce psychosocial hazards and improve overall acceptance of new technologies.

The study recommend that organisations do the following:

• Engage workers: Involve employees from various units in the planning and implementation stages to address concerns and gather feedback.
• Enhance consultation: Provide clear communication about how cobots will impact job roles and responsibilities, and include workers in decision-making processes.
• Conduct risk assessments: Develop comprehensive risk assessments to identify and address potential psychosocial hazards associated with cobots.
   

The global cobot market is booming, reaching a staggering US$50 billion since 2018.

“This growth is being driven by increasing automation needs in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, electronics, health care, and food and beverages,” Tse said. “Cobots enhance productivity and address labour shortages, making them attractive for both large and small businesses, and advancements in cobot technology will further boost their adoption in Australian workplaces.”

The team’s findings underscore that while cobots offer significant benefits, including reducing physical strain and enhancing productivity, their introduction must be handled with care to avoid unintended psychosocial consequences.

By prioritising worker engagement and consultation, organisations can ensure a smoother transition to collaborative robotics and safeguard employee wellbeing.

Image credit: iStock.com/eakgrunge