Role of social robotics in supporting employees and advancing productivity

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among three different occupational groups; Finnish university staff members, Finnish catering & food service company, and Brazilian teachers. The aim of the study was to explore how the employees perceive if they would have a chance to collaborate with the social robots, especially when they are working while ill. The results showed that a social robot will be accepted better as a team member than as a face-to-face colleague. The respondents were looking forward that a robot will improve productivity and assist them. We recommend designers, researchers and manufactures to take a social robot’s role in working life into account as a new potential focus area.