The psychosocial risks of collaborative robots in the workplace

A new study has revealed some damaging psychosocial risks that can arise when collaborative robots are deployed in the workplace.

A study conducted at Monash University has highlighted how the growing use of collaborative robots in the workplace may pose significant psychosocial risks to workers’ mental health and job security.

What was once confined to science-fiction movies has now become a reality as collaborative or cobots, as the study refers to them, continue to have a growing presence in the Australian workplace. This technology is simply reshaping the very fabric of the workplace, as it is involved with everything, from heavy machinery to delicate surgical tasks.

As fears around automation continue to increase, its implementation doesn’t appear to be slowing down. The potential is too enticing for businesses as the predicted increase in annual productivity growth, just from cobots, grows by 50 per cent to 150 per cent. That could add a further $170–600 billion per year to gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, according to the National Robotics Strategy.

Many forward-thinking business stakeholders revere the efficiency and speed of cobots, yet according to the study, less is known about the hidden psychosocial risks employees may face.

“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,” said Monash Business School Professor Herman Tse.

Tse and his research team found psychosocial hazards, such as job insecurity and role ambiguity, to be common issues that affect workers as part of the growing use of collaborative workspace technologies.

His team believes that by prioritising worker engagement and consultation, organisations can ensure a smoother transition to collaborative robotics and safeguard employee wellbeing. Through this, organisations must consider employees’ perception of collaborative robots and the stresses that arise from their growing use.

The study offered some recommendations for organisations to mull over when considering the implementation of collaborative robots.

• 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.”

“This growth is being driven by increasing automation needs in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and food and beverages,” said Tse.

“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.”