The growing use of collaborative robots in the workplace may pose significant psychosocial risks to workers’ mental health and their job security, but there are ways for organisations to smooth the transition, according to Monash University research.
While collaborative robots 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.
“Workers often perceive cobots (collaborative robots) 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,” said Monash Business School professor in leadership and organisational behaviour, Herman Tse, who co-authored the research report, Collaborative Robots and Work Health and Safety (WHS): Survey Report.
“Cobots” are built to work alongside humans in shared environments, bringing a number of benefits to different industries, according to Tse, who said that one of the main advantages is that they boost both efficiency and accuracy.
“Cobots are great at handling repetitive tasks with impressive consistency, allowing human workers to focus on more complex, creative, and problem-solving tasks. This smart division of labor can really ramp up productivity while also making employees happier by reducing their physical strain and the boredom of doing the same tasks over and over,” he said.
“Plus, when it comes to safety, cobots are essential for dealing with hazardous materials or working in risky settings, which helps reduce the chances of injuries for human workers. Their ability to adapt to changing workflows makes them especially valuable in fields like manufacturing, logistics and healthcare.”
However, cobots come with their own set of challenges. The upfront costs for buying the robots and setting up the needed infrastructure can be pretty high, especially for smaller businesses.
“There’s also the worry about job loss, as automation might lower the need for certain manual jobs, leading to concerns about job security among workers. Additionally, some employees might resist the change, seeing cobots as a threat or struggling to pick up the new skills needed to work alongside them,” said Tse.
“Even though they have advanced safety features, there’s still a chance of accidents or malfunctions, especially in environments that aren’t well-regulated, which highlights the importance of strict safety protocols and cybersecurity measures.”
From an OHS perspective, Tse said that bringing cobots into the workplace has its “ups and downs”.
“On the bright side, cobots can take on heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and handling dangerous materials, which helps reduce the physical strain on human workers and lowers the chances of injuries. This can lead to a safer work environment and might even decrease the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries, ultimately boosting employee wellbeing,” he said.
“On the flip side, introducing cobots also raises new safety issues. Even though they come with safety features like sensors and automatic shut-off systems, there’s still a risk of accidental collisions or malfunctions that could endanger workers. The close interaction between humans and robots means we need strict safety protocols to prevent accidents.”
Additionally, Tse observed that integrating cobots might create some psychosocial challenges for employees, such as stress and anxiety about job security and the need to learn new tech skills.
“Workers may feel uncertain about their roles in this new human-robot dynamic, which emphasises the importance of clear communication and training to ensure a smooth transition. Tackling these issues requires a proactive OHS approach that balances technological progress with the wellbeing of workers,” he said.
To effectively bring cobots into the workplace, Tse said companies and their OHS teams need to take a holistic approach – the first step being detailed risk assessments before rolling out cobots.
“This means looking at potential hazards that are specific to the work environment and how the cobots will be used, like checking out workspace layouts, what the cobots can do, and where humans and robots will interact. Spotting these risks early on helps in putting the right safety measures in place,” he said.
A second critical step is setting up strong safety protocols, and this involves creating safety zones, adding emergency stop buttons, and making sure cobots have top-notch sensors to avoid accidents.
“Regular maintenance and software updates are also key to keeping the cobots running smoothly and safely. Plus, having a solid cybersecurity plan is essential to stop any unauthorised access or tampering with the robotic systems, which protects both the workers and the business,” Tse added.
Additionally, companies should focus on thorough training programs to give employees the skills they need to work alongside cobots effectively. This training should include not just the technical know-how, but also safety practices, so workers feel ready to interact with the cobots and deal with any issues that might come up. |
“Offering chances for reskilling can help ease worries about job loss and ensure that employees continue to be valuable team members in a more automated environment,” said Tse.
Finally, building a collaborative culture where cobots and human workers are seen as partners is crucial for a smooth transition.
“Involving employees early in the integration process, asking for their input, and keeping communication open can help tackle any concerns and boost acceptance. By creating a workspace where cobots enhance productivity instead of causing disruptions, companies can leverage the advantages of this technology while keeping a positive, safe and thriving culture,” Tse said.