University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing industry : a qualitative study about the effect of collaborative robots on manual laborers' jobs
Hernandez Arreaza, Diana Victoria (2024) Exploring the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing industry : a qualitative study about the effect of collaborative robots on manual laborers' jobs.
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| Abstract: | Integrating collaborative robots in manufacturing settings can have repercussions on traditional manual labor tasks. This research explores the impact of cobots on manual laborers’ tasks and roles, seeking to understand the role that HR can play to ensure a smooth implementation of cobots. Using a qualitative study approach, the data was gathered through interviews with industry experts and academic automation researchers. The findings indicated that introducing cobots in the workplace can bring many benefits for both the organization and employees, including improving efficiency and safety conditions, however, they lead to a crucial need for reskilling, upskilling, and deskilling of the manual workers. Moreover, despite the many motives mentioned to adopt these robots, there are several factors stopping companies from acquiring this technology, including change resistance, and lack of awareness of the benefits. This study confirms existing theories, contradicts others, and contributes new theories to the existing literature, by providing insights into the practical challenges and benefits that cobots can offer in the manufacturing industry. Recommendations for practitioners are provided, discussing HR strategies that facilitate a smoother implementation cycle. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100268 |
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