Do cobots pose psychosocial risks to workers?

Automation is predicted to increase annual productivity growth in Australia by 50–150%, according to the National Robotics Strategy. The global cobot market is also booming, reaching a staggering US$50 billion since 2018.

Growth has predominantly been driven by increasing automation needs in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, electronics, health care, and food and beverages.

However, while cobots are often hailed for their abilities to increase efficiency and speed — as well as reducing the physical risks posed to workers — less is known about the hidden psychosocial risks employees may be facing.

A research team from the Monash University Business School has been investigating the potential harms posed by these cobots.

What have the researchers found?

According to Professor Herman Tse and his team, the growing use of collaborative robots in the workplace may pose significant psychosocial risks to workers’ mental health and their job security. Despite this, there are ways for organisations to smooth the transition.

“Workers often perceive cobots as potential threats to their job stability, especially when collaboration between humans and machines is minimal; 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,” Tse said.

To support a smooth transition of cobots in the workplace, and reducing 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 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.

What should employers do to reduce the risk?

• 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.
   

“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,” Tse said.

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/Amorn Suriyan. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.