Information Needs of Blue‐Collar Workers: Welding Challenges and the Potential of Smart Welding Tools

Abstract

Research on work and occupations in the information field have largely focused on white‐collar jobs. Little is known about the information and technology experiences and behaviors of workers in blue‐collar jobs. This study examines the user experiences of current welding tools and welding training and asks how integration of information feedback through smart technology in welding tools can help welders do their jobs safer, easier, and faster. We conducted 14 in‐depth interviews with members of Longhorn Racing, a student organization that designs, builds, and tests race cars. Participants experienced frustrations with the dangerous and technical setup and the limited vision and information feedback from welding tools. Many argued that the integration of smart technology into welding tools could improve their experience. These innovations could lead to faster training and reduced attrition in the welding industry. Further, this research points to the urgent need for more research on blue‐collar workers in the information field.

Welding Instructors' Perspectives on Using AI Technology in Welding Training

“…Researchers from the School of Information, the LBJ School of Public Affairs, the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are collaborating to develop solutions that can leverage AI to enhance skilled trades by upskilling workers and improving their work conditions instead of replacing them. This study about welding training builds on prior studies by our team focusing on engineering students who build race cars (Hill et al, 2022) and deaf welders (Hill et al, 2023) The first two authors conducted the interviews via Zoom Audio, with each interview lasting 25-55 minutes. They recorded the interviews through Zoom and transcribed them using an online transcription service (Rev.com).…”

“…The study produced successful results, although it pointed out that so far it has only limited applications (Lee et al, 2023). Hill et al (2022) demonstrate that different dangers in trades such as welding can cause occupational hazards and lead to health problems which should be addressed. Currently, only a few studies have directly researched the use of AI to address safety and health concerns in the welding industry and welding training.…”

“…Welding plays a vital economic and societal role, as it is critical for constructing buildings, manufacturing vehicles, and transmitting energy (Kah & Martikainen, 2012). Welding is costly (Akundi et al, 2022; Chakradhar et al, 2022; Chan et al, 2022), dangerous, and presents potential health risks (Hill et al, 2022). Also, there are not enough new welders to replace welders who retire or leave the profession (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).…”

“…By including the voices of welding instructors (most of them welders with extensive experience), we hope to provide deeper insights into the field and find possible solutions that incorporate the needs of current and future welders. A combination of different approaches and the use of AI may allow a larger group of potential workers to enter the welding trade (including those with accessibility issues), and would also make them more likely to remain on the job due to a safer and healthier work environment and improved job satisfaction (Hill et al, 2022).…”

“…The article explicitly mentions training and skills acquisition as a benefit of technology for ageing workers. The most relevant study for our research is a study of how accessibility can be improved for deaf welders (Hill et al, 2023).…”