Working Conditions of Industrial Robot Operators-An Overview of Technology Dissemination, Job Characteristics, and Health Indicators in Modern Production Workplaces

Flexible robotic systems change not only the production workflow as a whole but also the individual working conditions of their operators. The aim of this analysis of our study with more than 5900 participants was to get an overview of demographics, job characteristics, and health indicators of robot operators in comparison to nonrobotic machine operators and employees in Germany. We collected data by telephone interviews measuring technology use, stressors, and resources at work as well as health indicators. Results indicate systematic differences in working stressors and resources for robot users compared to other machine users as well as employees in general. In particular, the scope for decision-making at work was smaller for robot users, especially regarding the amount of work or the speed of work. Only isolated links could be found regarding the health indicators. The results therefore imply constant consideration of human factors to ensure productive as well as healthy working conditions with robots in modern industry.