The future African workplace: The use of collaborative robots in manufacturing
The future African workplace: The use of collaborative robots in manufacturing
复制标题
未来的非洲工作场所：协作机器人在制造业中的使用
DOI：
10.4102/sajhrm.v15i0.901
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发表时间：
2017
影响因子：
1.1
通讯作者：
M. Cullen
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
A. Calitz;P. Poisat;M. Cullen
工业4.0促进技术创新和人机协作（HRC）。制造装配线上的人机交互（HRI）和HRC已在全球许多先进的生产环境中实施。协作机器人（Cobots）越来越多地被用作工厂生产和装配环境中与人类的协作者。研究目的：该研究的目的是调查全球范围内Cobots的当前使用和未来实施情况及其对非洲劳动力的具体影响。研究动机：探索协作机器人的国际实施与潜在实施之间存在的差距，以及对非洲制造和装配环境，特别是对非洲劳动力的影响。研究设计、方法和途径：本研究采用定性研究设计。在南非领先的制造公司中进行了一项开放式问题调查，以确定Cobot实践的现状和未来实施情况。使用AtlasTi进行主题分析和内容分析。主要发现：调查结果表明，非洲企业了解有关Cobot实施的国际商业趋势，以及Cobots对非洲劳动力的可能影响。本研究特别强调的因素是对裁员的恐惧，人类对Cobot的信任和非洲文化。实际影响和增值：这项研究提供了宝贵的背景合作机器人实施的国际地位和对非洲劳动力的可能影响。该研究强调了建立员工信任、提供相关培训和解决员工对裁员的恐惧的重要性。
Orientation: Industry 4.0 promotes technological innovations and human–robot collaboration (HRC). Human–robot interaction (HRI) and HRC on the manufacturing assembly line have been implemented in numerous advanced production environments worldwide. Collaborative robots (Cobots) are increasingly being used as collaborators with humans in factory production and assembly environments. Research purpose: The purpose of the research is to investigate the current use and future implementation of Cobots worldwide and its specific impact on the African workforce. Motivation for the study: Exploring the gap that exists between the international implementation of Cobots and the potential implementation and impact on the African manufacturing and assembly environment and specifically on the African workforce. Research design, approach and method: The study features a qualitative research design. An open-ended question survey was conducted amongst leading manufacturing companies in South Africa in order to determine the status and future implementation of Cobot practices. Thematic analysis and content analysis were conducted using AtlasTi. Main findings: The findings indicate that the African businesses were aware of the international business trends, regarding Cobot implementation, and the possible impact of Cobots on the African work force. Factors specifically highlighted in this study are fear of retrenchment, human–Cobot trust and the African culture. Practical implications and value-add: This study provides valuable background on the international status of Cobot implementation and the possible impact on the African workforce. The study highlights the importance of building employee trust, providing the relevant training and addressing the fear of retrenchment amongst employees.