Of Robots and Men: The Future of Human & Robot Collaboration

‍Text: Julian Borchert-al-Huribi

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Increasing the acceptance of mobile robots in warehouses and production environments requires a multifaceted approach. With thoughtful design, the integration of advanced sensors, and the early involvement of the workforce, the integration of mobile and humanoid robots can be successfully achieved.

Life in the 21st century can be extremely comfortable. More and more people are willingly delegating tedious household tasks like vacuuming, lawn mowing, pool cleaning, window washing, or gutter cleaning to (mobile) robots. In restaurants, especially in the Far East, they enjoy placing their orders with service robots, entrust their loved ones to caregiver robots in nursing homes, and rely on mobile surveillance robots to protect their property.

In short: people routinely use (mobile) robots for tasks that are too time-consuming, labor-intensive, dirty, or dangerous. But when it comes to robots in industrial settings, goodwill diminishes, trust declines, skepticism and latent fear increase. For several years, the specter of the "job-killer robot" has persisted. Workers in production and warehouses often see robots as a threat to their job security, or simply feel uncomfortable working alongside them.

For intralogistics decision-makers and mobile robot manufacturers alike, it is equally important to address these concerns proactively. First, to create a collaborative environment for humans and machines; and second, to fully exploit the potential of automation.

The good news: Understanding these concerns is the first step toward fostering positive acceptance.

Dr. Jana Jost, head of department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics, discusses potential strategies for increasing the acceptance of mobile and humanoid robots in warehouse and production environments in the very first episode of the Intralogistics Insiders Podcast. Read her insights here.

‍Optimizing Robot Design

The acceptance of mobile and humanoid robots in industrial settings can be directly linked to their design. Elegantly designed robots with sophisticated LED features, pleasant sounds, and even "faces" are more likely to be accepted by their human colleagues. An appealing visual and acoustic design makes robots less intimidating and more approachable.

"The design of the robot has a lot to do with how people interact with it," emphasizes Dr. Jana Jost. "In one of our projects, a robot initially looked like something out of the movie Terminator. Despite its high functionality, workers felt intimidated. With a cuter design, acceptance increased significantly."

Giving a robot a friendly "face" can thus evoke positive emotional reactions.

‍Examples of Successful Design Elements:

• Friendly Appearance: Soft curves and a pleasant color scheme make robots appear more approachable.

• Pleasant Sounds: Gentle notification sounds, or voice interactions, enhance the relationship with the robot colleague.

• Facial Displays: Even simple facial expressions make robots seem more sympathetic and engaging.

‍"Social Robotics": Sensor Integration and the Role of Humanoid Robots in Supporting Humans

While mobile robots are specialized for specific transport tasks, humanoid robots add value in environments where human interaction is required.

Dr. Jost highlights the importance of design and psychological considerations for robot acceptance: "A robot is ultimately just another product and must be not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. It’s crucial to involve the people who will be working with the robot in the design process. Do they have preferences regarding the design? Do they have any concerns?"

Moreover, the integration of sensors in humanoid robots can significantly improve human ergonomics and work safety, thereby increasing acceptance. Sensors can monitor physical and mental workloads and provide anonymized data to optimize working conditions. This helps prevent injuries and adapt the robots' actions to human needs.

"Sensors can be used to gather information about human psychological and physical stress and then adjust the robot's actions accordingly. This way, robots support workers instead of hindering them," explains Dr. Jost.  

Positive Effects of Sensors:

• Ergonomics: Sensors can detect improper lifting techniques or repetitive movements and suggest adjustments to reduce physical strain.

• Safety: Real-time monitoring of the work environment ensures that robots operate safely around human workers.

• Workload Management: Sensors can measure mental stress, allowing robots to adjust their pace or assist more efficiently during peak times.

‍Upskilling and More Attractive Workplaces

One significant advantage of integrating mobile robots is the opportunity for workers to learn new skills and engage in more meaningful tasks. While robots take over monotonous, dangerous, or repetitive jobs, humans can focus on more complex and fulfilling activities. This is particularly beneficial in logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, where employees can greatly benefit from the integration of mobile robots. Automated robots can optimize the efficiency and error rate of warehouse processes, give medical staff more time for patient care, and take on dangerous or ergonomically risky tasks, increasing both safety and productivity.

This shift, combined with enhanced and dynamic skill development opportunities, boosts employee satisfaction and promotes robot acceptance.

Process automation should never be seen as a substitute for humans. "It's not about taking anyone's job away. It's about supporting workers and allowing them to develop different job profiles. Robots can free their human colleagues from monotonous tasks and heavy lifting, enabling them to focus on more meaningful and value-adding activities," says Dr. Jost.

‍Early Employee Involvement, Training, and Acceptance Measurement

Early involvement of workers in the process of integrating robots is crucial to build trust from the outset and address any fears. Comprehensive training ensures that the workforce knows and understands how to collaborate effectively with robots. Ideally, involving employees during the design and implementation phase fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration, ultimately leading to higher acceptance rates.

Acceptance can be concretely assessed through surveys, interviews, or town hall meetings. Key indicators of whether acceptance is working include productivity, error rates, and employee satisfaction. These insights help refine the robot integration strategy and address emerging concerns.

Given the ongoing development of global industry, implementing these strategies will be crucial to fully harness the benefits of automation and ensure a harmonious, effective coexistence of humans and robots.