Designing tasks in human-robot interaction: a laboratory study on dimensions of job control in semi-automated assembly

Abstract

Technological innovations like lightweight robots are transforming workplaces, intensifying focus on human-machine task division and work design. Job control is a key task characteristic known to have positive effects on employees, but its specific impact across different facets remains unclear due to varied research methods and lack of concrete design recommendations for industrial production. Highly standardized tasks often clash with job control, a tension flexible robots might resolve. This work investigates the potential of innovative assistance systems, specifically human-robot interaction, to design job control in semi-automated assembly. Based on theories, three job control dimensions (time control, method control, decision latitude) were derived. A construct-driven assembly line was developed (including two lightweight robots) and a lab experiment investigated the effect on short-term psychological experience ( N = 112) also considering different cycle time lengths. Practical Relevance : The findings show that a combination of time, method, and decision latitude positively influences work experience. Longer cycle times are generally preferred in assembly. Crucially, standardized assembly tasks particularly benefit from temporal freedoms. This highlights the importance of incorporating specific job control elements when designing future human-robot workplaces to enhance employee well-being and task perception.