Success factors for introducing industrial human-robot interaction in practice: an empirically driven framework

Abstract

Human-robot interaction (HRI) promises to be a means whereby manufacturing companies will be able to address current challenges like a higher demand for customization. However, despite comparably low costs, there are only few applications in practice. To date, it remains unclear which factors facilitate or hinder the successful introduction of industrial collaborative robots (cobots). In a three-step approach, we first developed a comprehensive two-dimensional framework covering three separate phases and four essential components for human-robot working systems. Secondly, we reviewed related literature to identify relevant success factors. Thirdly, in an online survey we asked leading representatives of German manufacturing companies (n = 81) to assess the importance of these factors from a practical point of view. The results reveal that besides technology-related factors like occupational safety and appropriate cobot configuration, employee-centered factors like the fear of job loss and ensuring an appropriate level of trust in the robot are considered important. However, company representatives seem to underestimate the impact of subtle measures to increase employee acceptance which could be incorporated into internal communication strategies prior to and during the introduction of cobots. Comparative analysis based on three distinct application scenarios suggests that most success factors’ practical importance is independent of the motivation for implementing HRI. Furthermore, answers from practitioners in free-text fields reveal that success factors which intuitively come to their mind such as financial factors are not necessarily perceived most important. Finally, we argue for more application-oriented research that focuses on practically relevant factors to guide HRI research, inform cobot development, and support companies in overcoming apparent barriers.

Assessing System-Wide Safety Readiness for Successful Human–Robot Collaboration Adoption

“…An additional factor is employee participation. Although more research is still needed [37], there is growing evidence for the assumption that increased worker participation enables HRC [38] and positively affects workers' wellbeing [39] and cobot acceptance [40].…”

Human, Organisational and Societal Factors in Robotic Rail Infrastructure Maintenance

“…Ref. [53] noted that despite apparent benefits regarding increased productivity and cost reductions, there are few practical examples of the successful introduction of collaborative robots (cobots). Their comprehensive review listed a number of organisational success factors, including employee-centred factors such as fear of job loss and employee acceptance, and they highlighted the importance of good communication with staff as a tool to stronger adoption.…”

“…This requires leadership from senior management and clear communication of benefits to encourage the culture change. The frameworks proposed by [22] or [53] would make an ideal starting point and should be adapted for the rail context.…”

Egocentric Gesture Recognition Using 3D Convolutional Neural Networks for the Spatiotemporal Adaptation of Collaborative Robots

“…For this reason, HRI can be classified into many categories depending on the criteria that are used. Kopp et al ( 2021 ) and El Zaatari et al ( 2019 ) distinguish HRI as functioning on different levels, according to the workspace (separated or common), the working time/steps (sequential or simultaneous) and the aims (different or common) of the robot and the human operator respectively. At the lowest level, human and robot work alongside each other without a shared workspace (Long et al, 2018 ).…”