Task Design in Human-Robot-Interaction Scenarios – Challenges from a Human Factors Perspective

Abstract

The production environment is facing a constant change. New technologies emerge and the latest development in the field of direct human-robot-interaction will create new forms of hybrid working systems. The question arises on how to design tasks in these new working systems. The aim of this paper is to outline current conditions of German production work, focusing on task design characteristics. Based on that analysis conclusions are drawn on how to design hybrid work systems using light-weight robots. The paper presents task specific results of two national employee surveys and of a scoping review on job control aspects, as specific task design features. The analyses reveal that task variability, timing and method control have a strong impact on employees’ wellbeing. Based on the findings guidelines for task design in HRI scenarios in manufacturing cells with light-weight robots are presented and discussed.