Robotization of Industrial Processes: Motivational Differences between Companies with and without Existing Robotic Processes.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSOur survey of 100 manufacturing facilities revealed statistically significant differences among company types in their perceptions of cost savings, productivity gains, and safety improvements as benefits of robotic implementation. Regardless of company type or size, indications of presence of cumulative, incidental, and static postural hazards were identified as primary perceived factors for injury potential. More than half of the surveyed companies reported being unaware of general safety standards utilized within their facilities, and most (70%) robotic companies were unaware of any robotic-specific standards utilized at their company. Our results indicate the importance of accounting for varying perspectives between company types regarding motivation for and safety impacts of robotics. With the advancement of technology and robotization of the manufacturing industry, there are also pressing needs for advancing robotic safety standards, implementing training programs, and continuous promotion of the general safety awareness.