Category: digitalisation

Human and Machine: Ergonomics at the Centre of the AI Transition

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

The Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) actively contributes to the work of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) within the framework of the European Campaign “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age”, which focuses on the occupational safety and health challenges arising from digitalisation and emerging technologies.

Within this framework, FEES participated in the official EU-OSHA campaign summit, where Gyula Szabó, PhD, Professor at Óbuda University, Hungary, and representative of the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies, delivered the presentation entitled “Human and Machine”.

The presentation was part of Parallel Session 3: “OSH as a driver of safe and healthy digital technologies for work”, chaired by Dietmar Elsler and Annick Starren, Senior Research Project Managers at EU-OSHA.
The session brought together experts from industry, research, and policy, including:

  • Regine Mägerlein, Head of Global Environment, Health and Safety, ZF Lifetec
  • Beatrice Aelterman, Head of Global Occupational Health and Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Moritz Schneider, Senior Specialist for AI and Software Architecture, German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), and the Partnership for European Research in Occupational Safety and Health (PEROSH)
  • Gyula Szabó, PhD, Professor at Óbuda University and representative of the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies

The presentation addressed the profound changes brought by artificial intelligence in the field of digital occupational safety and health. AI is no longer merely a supporting technology. It introduces autonomous decision-making, learning systems, and continuous data-driven feedback into everyday work processes. These developments fundamentally reshape human–system interaction and raise new questions related to control, responsibility, trust, and well-being at work.

https://summit2025.healthy-workplaces.eu/videoteca/osh-as-a-driver-of-safe-and-healthy-digital-technologies-for-work

From an ergonomics and human factors perspective, artificial intelligence represents a new but logically connected application domain. The primary goal of ergonomics has always been to optimise the interaction between humans and systems. With the emergence of AI, this interaction becomes more complex, as cognitive load, transparency, predictability, and human oversight gain increasing importance. Consequently, ergonomics and human factors play a central role in the AI transition.

European regulation clearly reflects this approach. Key principles of the EU AI Act, such as human oversight, transparency, explainability, predictability, and safety, strongly overlap with long-established ergonomic and user-centred design principles. These requirements are not abstract legal concepts, but practical criteria that directly influence worker safety, mental health, and acceptance of AI-based systems.

The presentation also highlighted emerging psychosocial risks linked to AI-supported work. Continuous monitoring, automated evaluation, and blurred human–machine boundaries may increase mental strain, stress, and feelings of loss of control if not properly addressed. AI can improve efficiency only if it does not reduce quality of life or undermine human autonomy.

A central message of the session was that users must not be treated as passive recipients of AI solutions. Human-centred and human-in-the-loop approaches are essential. Workers need to be involved throughout the development and implementation cycle, from design to everyday use and continuous improvement. Clarity, acceptability, safety, and learnability remain key criteria for sustainable AI systems.

The AI transition is therefore not only about smarter machines, but about better human–machine cooperation. Ergonomics and human factors provide the conceptual and practical foundation to ensure that AI-based solutions support people, rather than replace or overload them.

FEES is proud to have been actively involved in the EU-OSHA campaigns since the establishment of the campaign partner network. We consider it a privilege that successive campaign themes consistently highlight different application domains of ergonomics. The previous campaign, “Lighten the Load”, addressed the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and manual handling risks, representing a classical and well-established field of physical ergonomics.

The current campaign, focusing on digitalisation and artificial intelligence, clearly brings ergonomics and human factors into the foreground from a new perspective, emphasising cognitive, organisational, and psychosocial aspects of work. Looking ahead, we anticipate the launch of the next campaign, which is expected to address mental workload and knowledge-based work. This emerging focus will further strengthen the role of cognitive ergonomics and human reliability, areas where ergonomics and human factors can make a decisive contribution.

We look forward to continuing our active involvement in future EU-OSHA campaigns and to representing the ergonomic perspective across these evolving challenges of work.

Federation of European Ergonomics Societies within the Community of Practice on Industry 5.0

Aleksandar Zunjic

The Community of Practice on Industry 5.0 (CoP 5.0) is a European network of experts, researchers, and industrial stakeholders established by the European Commission. Its mission is to jointly develop, test, and disseminate the principles of Industry 5.0 by fostering collaboration, exchanging best practices, and supporting policy development that connects industry, society, and sustainable development. In 2024, the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) became an official member of CoP 5.0.

FEES joined CoP 5.0 to actively promote the human-centric approach as a core element of Industry 5.0. Ergonomics is, by definition, a human-centric scientific discipline that focuses on the interaction among humans, machines, and the working environment. Human-centred design is a key area of ergonomics, and ergonomic principles play a critical role in shaping industrial systems that are aligned with human capabilities, limitations, and well-being.

From an ergonomic perspective, the contribution to Industry 5.0 can be highlighted through several key aspects:

Inclusion of human operators

Ergonomic principles emphasise integrating human factors into the design of equipment, technologies, and work processes. By considering human strengths and limitations, industrial systems can achieve higher levels of safety, efficiency, and usability, thereby contributing to more sustainable, operator-friendly solutions.

Utilisation of workplace expertise

FEES recognises the value of workers’ practical knowledge and experience. The human-centric approach of Industry 5.0 encourages employees to actively identify problems and co-develop solutions, ensuring that innovations are grounded in real working conditions.

Team involvement and participation

Ergonomics supports participatory approaches in which teams are directly involved in the design and optimisation of industrial systems. This participation improves the quality and relevance of solutions and strengthens workers’ sense of ownership and responsibility.

Balanced use of technology

While advanced technologies are essential, FEES emphasises their ethical and responsible integration. Ergonomics ensures that technology complements human work rather than overshadowing it, helping to prevent negative effects such as excessive workload, stress, or alienation.

Through its participation in CoP 5.0, FEES aims to ensure that ergonomic principles underpin the human-centric transformation of industrial systems, aligning technological development with human well-being, organisational productivity, and societal values. As a multidisciplinary scientific field, ergonomics also contributes to the development of resilient, sustainable industrial systems.

Within CoP 5.0, Prof. Aleksandar Žunjić, Secretary-General of FEES, together with Dr Sebastian Capotescu (ErgoWork Society of Romania), were selected by the European Commission as a member of the expert working group Business Case 5.0 for Sustainable Competitiveness. This group, in close cooperation with the Hubs 5.0 working group, supports the development and promotion of Industry 5.0 under the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

As an outcome of the work carried out within the Business Case 5.0 for Sustainable Competitiveness expert group, Aleksandar Žunjić and Sebastian Capotescu published four scientific papers in 2025 addressing the role of the human-centric approach and human factors in achieving the sustainability objectives of Industry 5.0:

  • Zunjic, A., Capotescu, S., Cuevas-Lopez-de-Baro, C., Cordea, C., Lukic, P. V. M. (2025). Contribution of the human-centric approach to environmental, social and economic sustainability. IETI Transactions on Engineering Research and Practice, Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp. 1–10.
  • Zunjic, A., Capotescu, S., Cuevas-Lopez-de-Baro, C., Cordea, C., Yue, X.-G. (2025). Contribution of the human-centric approach to technological, resource and innovation sustainability. IETI Transactions on Engineering Research and Practice, Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp. 11–22.
  • Zunjic, A., Capotescu, S., Cuevas-Lopez-de-Baro, C., Cordea, C., Yue, X.-G. (2025). Contribution of the human-centric approach to organizational, market, and health sustainability. IETI Transactions on Engineering Research and Practice, Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp. 23–34.
  • Capotescu, S., Zunjic, A., Cuevas-Lopez-de-Baro, C., Cordea, C. (2025). Human factor as central approach in a sustainable business model for Industry 5.0. IETI Transactions on Ergonomics and Safety, Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp. 22–45.

FEES Webinar Update

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FEES is pleased to share several upcoming and topical ergonomics and human factors webinars organised by international partners. These sessions highlight important developments in musculoskeletal disorder prevention, visual ergonomics, EU regulation, surgical ergonomics, and advanced human performance modelling.

IEA Webinars

WMSDs in High-Risk Occupations: Cross-National Insights from Manufacturing, Construction and Handicraft Industries in Asia

📅 20 November 2025
🔗 https://iea.cc/event/wmsds-in-high-risk-occupations-cross-national-insights-from-manufacturing-construction-and-handicraft-industries-in-asia/

A cross-national look at musculoskeletal disorder risks in high-risk occupations, examining exposure differences and effective prevention strategies across sectors.

Linking Practice and Science in Visual Ergonomics – Part II

📅 14 November 2025
🔗 https://iea.cc/event/linking-practice-and-science-in-visual-ergonomics-part-ii/

A focused session on advances in visual ergonomics and the integration of scientific evidence into practical workplace design.

ISSA Section Machine and System Safety – “Let’s talk about OSH – Have you ever…?”

📅 2 December 2025, 16:00–17:00 (CET)
🔗 https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KR2sng43SuO3q8kDiKrfMA#/registration

This edition of the web talk focuses on the challenges that fatigue, monotony and distractions pose in everyday work. The discussion will explore how mental overload affects safety, why sustained attention is difficult to maintain, and what measures can help workers stay alert during demanding or repetitive tasks. The role of technology in preventing incidents related to reduced attention will also be addressed.

Speakers include Matthew Kwaw and Kay Schulte, with simultaneous interpretation available in English, French, German and Spanish.

HFES Webinars (USA)

HCTG, HFTH and SSE Joint Webinar: Connecting Human Factors/Ergonomics Theory with Applications in Health Care – Physical Ergonomics and Exoskeletons in Surgery

📅 21 November 2025 – 1:00 PM ET

This joint session (HCTG, HFTH, SSE) is part of an educational series bridging HF/E theory with practical applications in healthcare delivery.
Focus areas:

  • Foundational physical ergonomics theories and models
  • Ergonomics in surgical settings
  • Case studies on exoskeletons in surgery
  • Surgeon experience with exoskeleton use (Dr. Philip Haigh)

Speakers:
M. Susan Hallbeck (Mayo Clinic) · Jackie Cha (University of Wisconsin–Madison) · Philip Haigh (Kaiser Permanente)
Moderators: David Neyens · Brittany Anderson-Montoya

Human Performance Modeling Technical Group Webinar: Computational Models of Human Performance – An Algebraic Equation Approach

📅 15 January 2026 – 1:00 PM ET

A deep dive into algebraic equation–driven computational modelling of human performance, contrasting this approach with discrete-event cognitive simulation methods.
Topics include:

  • Attention models (SEEV, NSEEV, scan-clutter tradeoff)
  • Multiple resource theory
  • Task switching (STOM)
  • Models of human–automation interaction

Speaker:
Chris Wickens (Colorado State University)
Moderator: Ji-Eun Kim

Smart Digital Systems for All: Elevating Ergonomics & Human Factors in Inclusive OSH

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

As one of the official partners of EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2023-2025, the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) applauds the latest EU-OSHA insight: “Smart digital systems for all: Supporting inclusion and diversity in workplace safety and health.”

Smart digital systems are not just about new technology — they are about inclusive design, usability, and human factors. According to EU-OSHA, these systems can be transformational in making workplaces safer, healthier, and more accessible, especially for older workers, migrant workers, pregnant workers, and others whose needs have often been overlooked.

From a human factors and ergonomics (E/HF) standpoint, these are the key contributions:

  • User-centred design: Smart wearables, sensors, and adaptive systems must respond to human variability – body size, mobility, cognitive load, language, and cultural background.
  • Reducing ergonomic risk: These systems can monitor posture, fatigue, and environmental stressors and help prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Enhancing accessibility and diversity: When inclusivity is built in—considering older workers, pregnant staff, those with reduced mobility or sensory differences—the digital workplace becomes equitable.

But smart systems are effective only if implemented with respect to some human factors principles:

  • Worker involvement & acceptance: Involving workers and their representatives in design, deployment, and ongoing feedback builds trust, improves usability, and shapes systems that fit actual work practices.
  • Transparency and data ethics: Clear communication on data collection, storage, privacy, and how the system will be used ensures psychological safety and reduces resistance.
  • Complementarity to traditional OSH and ergonomics measures: These digital tools should augment—not replace—ergonomic workstation design, training, and organisational safety culture.

FEES encourages ergonomists, occupational health professionals, policy-makers, employers, and researchers to draw on EU-OSHA’s resources to guide inclusive implementations.

Together, we can ensure digital transformation in OSH reflects human factors and ergonomics values: promoting safety, well-being, inclusion, and dignity for every worker.

👉 Read more on EU-OSHA: Smart Digital Systems for All: Supporting inclusion and diversity in workplace safety and health. Healthy Workplaces

Learning Opportunities in Ergonomics

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Upcoming Webinars

FEES is committed to supporting lifelong learning in ergonomics by sharing high-quality international opportunities for researchers, practitioners, and students. This autumn brings a rich selection of free webinars from leading organisations in occupational safety, health, and ergonomics.

📌 From Lab to Line: Practical OSH Strategies for Digital Manufacturing

The project group “Digital Manufacturing” of the ISSA Section Machine and System Safety has launched a new international webinar series focusing on the intersections of Occupational Safety and Health, Wellbeing, AI, Digitalisation, and Industrial Security.
Experts from around the world will present strategies and innovations shaping the future of safe and sustainable workplaces.

Upcoming sessions:

  • Sept. 3, 2025 – Balancing Tech and Wellbeing: Rethinking Work in the Digital Age – Dr. Keyao (Eden) Li, Edith Cowan University, Australia
  • Sept. 8, 2025 – Securing the Route: How Digital Technologies Safeguard Personnel in Cash Transport – Fabian Klein, DGUV, Germany
  • Sept. 25, 2025 – Testbed Smart Factory as a Platform for Industrial Safety R&D – Radim Hercik & Tomáš Jahn, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
  • Oct. 6, 2025 – Common Security Advisory Framework (CSAF) for Developers – Matthias Weitz, DGUV, Germany

👉 Details and registration (free of charge)

📌 OHCOW October Webinar Series 2025

The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) are hosting their annual October Webinar Series, addressing key ergonomics and workplace health topics. These sessions provide practical knowledge for improving occupational health and preventing work-related disorders.

📌 IEA Webinar Series

The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) regularly offers global webinars that showcase cutting-edge research and applications across all areas of ergonomics and human factors. These events connect experts, students, and practitioners worldwide, supporting the advancement of ergonomics education and practice.

Featured Webinar: Informal Work in Latin America – Ergonomics Perspectives and Experiences from Brazil

As part of the IEA’s Informal Work Webinar Series, the next session is scheduled for 29 October 2025 at 16:00 UTC (13:00 Brazil, 09:00 US EST). Organised by the IEA Technical Committee on Informal Work in collaboration with the ICOH Working Group on “Demographic Changes, Inequalities and the Future of Decent Work”, and in partnership with the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of São Carlos, this 90-minute event will provide an overview of informal work practices in Brazil.

The session will particularly focus on how technological and organisational innovations impact working conditions and the broader dynamics of precariousness, while also exploring how informality reshapes the societal role of work. The webinar will be delivered in Brazilian Portuguese with English subtitles; live Q&A will be available in both languages with simultaneous translation.

👉 More information and registration: Informal Work in Latin America – Ergonomics Perspectives and Experiences from Brazil

💡 We warmly encourage you to explore these opportunities, join the discussions, and contribute to shaping safer, healthier, and more ergonomic workplaces.

Ergonomics and Human Factors at the Centre of the Digital Transformation

Gyula Szabo Leave a comment

As an official partner of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) proudly supports the 2023–2025 Healthy Workplaces Campaign: Safe and healthy work in the digital age. This initiative highlights the growing role of smart digital systems in improving occupational safety and health (OSH) across Europe.

From an ergonomics and human factors perspective, smart digital technologies—such as wearable devices, sensor networks, AI-driven analytics, and virtual reality training platforms—have significant potential to enhance workplace safety, health, and well-being. These tools enable early identification of ergonomic risks, provide real-time data on physical strain and environmental hazards, and support timely interventions. They are especially valuable in high-risk industries and for vulnerable worker groups, including older employees and those with specific health conditions.

However, digital systems must be implemented according to user-centred design principles to be practical and ethically sound. FEES stresses the importance of involving workers and their representatives in designing, deploying, and monitoring these technologies. Transparent communication, responsible data management, and training are essential to building trust and acceptance. When workers understand and influence digital tools, safety, satisfaction, and engagement improve significantly.

At the same time, we must remain vigilant about the challenges posed by digitalisation. Over-reliance on automation, excessive monitoring, lack of usability, and insufficient training can lead to new psychosocial risks such as stress, cognitive overload, and mental fatigue. Smart systems should always complement, not replace, traditional OSH strategies like ergonomic workplace design, inclusive organisational policies, and direct human support.

As FEES, we advocate for integrating digital innovation with ergonomic principles to create safe, inclusive, and sustainable workplaces. We call on our member societies, researchers, practitioners, and partners to actively contribute to this campaign by sharing knowledge, good practices, and critical reflections on the human-centred use of smart technologies in OSH.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Workplace Safety and Health

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The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workplace safety and health, presenting challenges and opportunities in an increasingly digital world. Witnessing the shared commitment to exploring these evolving issues is encouraging, particularly as AI-driven worker management systems become more prevalent across various industries.

Understanding AI-Based Worker Management Systems

AI-based worker management systems are digital tools that collect and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, such as PCs, mobile devices, and workplace sensors. These systems can be categorized into two main types:

  1. Automated Decision-Making Systems – These systems operate independently, making decisions without human intervention. While they enhance efficiency, their implementation requires careful consideration to ensure fairness and compliance with labour regulations.
  2. Semi-Automated Systems – In these systems, AI-generated recommendations are reviewed by human managers before final decisions are made. This approach allows for a balance between automation and human oversight.

These technologies are used in various applications, including:

  • Labor Forecasting – AI predicts workforce needs based on customer demand and weather conditions, optimizing shift schedules.
  • Performance Evaluation – AI assesses worker efficiency by tracking task completion times and other productivity metrics.
  • HR Management Support – AI assists in recruitment, training, and workforce allocation to enhance operational efficiency.

Adoption and Impact in the EU

The facts from EU-OSHA show the adoption of AI-driven worker management systems across the European Union. Key findings indicate:

  • While adoption is still relatively low, there is a growing trend, particularly in large companies managing extensive workforces.
  • These systems are predominantly used in industries involving manual and repetitive tasks, such as warehousing, professional cleaning, healthcare, banking, and call centres.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the deployment of AI-based worker management technologies, with a sharp increase observed in 2020.

Worker Perspectives and Health Implications

While AI-driven systems enhance efficiency, they also raise concerns related to:

  • Job Security – Automation may lead to workforce reductions in specific sectors.
  • Workplace Stress – Continuous monitoring and performance tracking can increase pressure on employees.
  • Data Privacy – The extensive use of personal and professional data necessitates stringent privacy regulations.

Moving Forward

As AI continues integrating into workplace management, it is crucial to balance technological advancement and worker well-being. Policymakers, employers, and researchers must collaborate to ensure that AI-driven systems enhance productivity while safeguarding employee rights and health. Ongoing research and discussions, such as this campaign, play a vital role in shaping the future of AI in workplace safety and health.

For more information on the campaign, visit the official EU OSHA page: Healthy Workplaces Campaign.

The Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) is a proud partner of the “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age 2023-2025” EU OSHA campaign.

International Conference on Safety and Innovation

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We are pleased to announce the International Conference on Safety and Innovation, organized by INAIL in collaboration with the ISSA Section Machine and System Safety. The event will be held from March 11th – 13th, 2025, at INAIL, Piazzale Giulio Pastore 6, Roma.

The conference will focus on the following key topics:

  • Innovative Technologies for Safety: Exploring cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance safety in the workplace. We invite papers discussing new solutions that improve safety during work activities or reduce risks through design innovations.
  • Safety of Innovative Products: Examining the safety aspects of new technologies integrated into products such as machinery, plants, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Submissions should address how these innovations comply with safety regulations and identify gaps in standardization.
  • Innovative Systems for Specialist Training: Evaluating new training systems, including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality tools. We seek papers that analyze these technologies’ effectiveness compared to traditional training methods and discuss various national protocols and guidelines.
  • Workspace Safety: Addressing the design of workspaces to ensure safe working conditions. We welcome papers that present innovative design solutions and examine how workspace design influences worker behaviour and skills.
  • Safety of Living Environments and Human Settlements: Investigating methods for detecting and mitigating pollution and predictive control of structures and facilities to prevent widespread risks. Papers should focus on innovative techniques for monitoring and controlling human settlements and living environments.
  • Systems for Inclusive Safety: Focusing on creating inclusive safety systems that accommodate diverse needs, including gender differences, an ageing population, and disabilities. We encourage papers that explore technical solutions and design strategies for tools, equipment, and training that promote safety and inclusion in the workplace.

The first deadline for abstract submissions is August 30th, 2024. For further information on the topics and the Call for Papers, please visit INAIL’s event page.

Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age: Adapting OSH for the Future

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Digitalisation is revolutionising the workplace, bringing opportunities and challenges requiring new ergonomics / human factors solutions to update occupational safety and health (OSH). With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, collaborative robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), algorithms, digital labour platforms, and increased remote work, workers and employers face new risks and opportunities. The key to addressing these challenges lies in how these technologies are applied, managed, and regulated within current social, political, and economic contexts.

EU-OSHA’s Efforts and Campaigns

EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Campaign, “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age” (2023-2025), aims to raise awareness about the implications of digital technologies on workplace safety and health. This campaign underscores the importance of a human-centred approach in designing, implementing, managing, and using these technologies to ensure they are safe and productive. The priority areas:

Advanced Robotics and Automation – Key Considerations for Human Interaction and Trust

According to the Agency’s recently published Policy Brief, “Advanced robotics and automation: Key considerations for human interaction and trust“, the growing autonomy in advanced robotic systems necessitates a shift in the terminology from ‘use’ to ‘interaction’ between humans and robots. The quality of this interaction significantly impacts occupational safety and health (OSH) factors. Various aspects of robotic interaction design, such as cognitive ergonomics, outward appearance, embodiment, robot behaviour, and communication styles, are linked to OSH risks and opportunities. The primary objective is facilitating smooth and natural interactions, enhancing well-being, acceptance, trust, and user experience while mitigating stress and other adverse outcomes.

Anthropomorphic Robot Design

  • Appearance and Behavior: Human-like features (e.g., eyes, facial expressions) can enhance natural interaction and acceptance, especially in social robotics. However, excessive human likeness may cause negative emotions due to the “uncanny valley” effect.
  • Expectation Management: Anthropomorphic features may lead to unrealistic expectations about a robot’s capabilities, potentially impacting task performance and safety. For example, workers might erroneously attribute visual or auditory perception to robots with eyes or ears.
  • Task-Relevant Design: In industrial settings, anthropomorphic movements can improve workflow and task accuracy but must be carefully designed to avoid misinterpretation and potential hazards.

Interaction Principles and Transparency

  • Design Principles: General ergonomic design principles, such as those in EN ISO 9241-110, apply to robotic systems, improving usability and user experience.
  • Cognitive and Sensorial Aid: With increasing robotic autonomy, interaction design must provide mental and sensory aids to prevent information overload and ensure effective decision-making.
  • System Transparency: Adequate transparency is crucial for users to understand robotic actions and intentions, fostering trust and reliability. However, too much information can overload and hinder critical information processing.

Trust in Human-Robot Interaction

  • Calibrated Trust: Appropriate trust in robotic systems is essential for effective collaboration. Over-reliance can lead to complacency, while insufficient trust can result in underutilisation. Trust must be calibrated to match the robot’s capabilities.
  • Influential Factors: Trust is influenced by human-related factors (e.g., user satisfaction, comfort), robot-related factors (e.g., reliability, anthropomorphism), and context-related factors (e.g., team collaboration task difficulty). Reliable and empathetic robots foster higher trust levels.

Risks and Recommendations

  • Privacy and Control: Collecting and analysing data for personalised interaction can raise privacy concerns and feelings of alienation. Ensuring transparency and adhering to data protection regulations is critical.
  • Training and Adaptation: Training on automation bias and system capabilities can mitigate trust miscalibrations. Continuous adaptation to user preferences and task requirements enhances interaction quality.

“Napo in… robots at work”

“Napo in… robots at work” animation provides an overview of safety considerations related to workplace robotics. The film outlines various emerging robotic technologies, associated accident types, key hazards, and control measures.

Production line workers face the highest risk, followed by maintenance workers. Most injuries result from poor workplace design and human error. Technological advances, such as fixed robots, collaborative and mobile robots, and exoskeletons, can enhance working conditions and introduce new hazards in manufacturing environments.

Join the Campaign

The Federation of the European Ergonomics Societies is one of the few EU-OSHA “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age” campaign partners. Ergonomists have a crucial role in creating healthy workplaces and improving performance and user satisfaction.

Please learn more about ergonomics, human factors and occupational health in the digital age. Visit the campaign’s new “Automation of Tasks” Priority Area for more information, resources, materials, insights and practical tools to ensure safe and healthy work environments in the digital age.