The future African workplace: The use of collaborative robots in manufacturing

Abstract

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.

Technology‐related factors and their influence on turnover intentions: A case of government employees in South Africa

“…Fihla and Chinyamurindi () emphasise enhancing those aspects concerned with HRM practices. Furthermore, a stream of work is emerging within developing countries like South Africa seeking to explore the role of technology on work outcomes or experiences (Calitz et al, ; Cilliers et al, ; Poisat & Mey, ). Notably, there is continued encouragement within the South Africa public service for work that explores the influence of technology‐related factors on work outcomes or experiences (e.g., Mosala‐Bryant & Hoskins, ; Sewdass, ).…”

“…These include (a) sensors; (b) big data; (c) analytics; (d) artificial intelligence; (e) algorithms; (f) robots and finally and (g) automation of work processes (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014; Davenport & Kirby, ). This situation applies not only internationally but also in developing countries (Calitz et al, ).…”

Human-Machine Interaction and Human Resource Management Perspective for Collaborative Robotics Implementation and Adoption

“…Besides, collaborative robots are different from other types of industrial robots as they will not serve the same purposes. Until now, industrial robots have been more isolated from humans for safety measures, whereas collaborative robots share the workspace with them [13,19]. Then, various tasks can be divided between humans and robots benefiting from each other's strengths.…”

“…Still, some HRM-related challenges and practices have been identified, such as training, change management, workforce's fear of job loss and unionized work environment. These challenges can hinder collaborative robotics implementation in manufacturing organizations and will call for greater focus on human resources management [19]. It is also essential to promote active employee participation in the integration process.…”

“…The work synthesized above represents the principal contributors retrieved from the selected papers. Interestingly, only one paper ( [19]) was published in an HRM-related journal (SA Journal of Human Resource Management). This suggests that even when addressing management practices in a collaborative robotics context, research may not be published in the journals usually consulted by HRM professionals.…”