Towards Worker-Centered Warehouse Robots: A User Study on Privacy, Inclusivity and Safety

Abstract

Robots are increasingly shaping warehouse environments, where they interact with human workers and contribute to warehouse efficiency. These robots also come with risks, however, and current visions for their roles in warehouses are centered on business needs rather than workers’. Therefore, in this study, we place warehouse workers at the center, examining how their concerns about privacy, inclusivity, and safety intersect with the growing presence of robots. Drawing on a thematic analysis of twelve (N = 12) semi-structured interviews, we uncover not only the day-to-day challenges these workers face—such as data surveillance, exclusionary practices, and physical hazards—but also their aspirations for more empowering forms of human-robot collaboration. From our findings, we propose a spectrum of worker-centered requirements and visions, e.g., robots for worker entertainment and connection, auditor accountability, zoned privacy control, surveillance notifications and manual overrides. By offering insights into worker priorities, we extend the discourse on responsible robotics and Human-Robot Interaction research. We conclude with strategic recommendations for designers, managers, and policymakers aimed at aligning emerging warehouse robotics with the well-being and diverse needs of the human workforce.