Increasing automation is giving rise to more workers operating alongside collaborative robots, but a new study suggests the psychosocial effects must be considered if workers are to enjoy the full spectrum of benefits technology has to offer.

Collaborative robots, or ‘cobots’, are becoming the norm in most Australian industries – especially mining – handling everything from heavy machinery to conveyors to operating software.

According to the National Robotics Strategy, automation and cobots are anticipated to increase annual productivity growth in Australia by 50–150 per cent and add another $170–600 billion per year to GDP by 2030.

Often performing dangerous and repetitive tasks, cobots are celebrated for increasing operational speed and efficiency while removing workers from potential physical hazards.

But the Monash University Business School recently found psychosocial hazards, such as job insecurity and role ambiguity, may affect workers as part of the growing use of collaborative workspace technologies.

Research from Safe Work Australia found workers’ compensation claims for injuries resulting from psychosocial hazards at work are increasing.

“You must apply the same risk management process you use to manage physical hazards and risks in consultation with your workers,” Safe Work Australia said as part of this year’s National Safe Work Month.

The Monash Business School’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 well-being.

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

Monash encouraged organisations to consider the following recommendations:

• 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