Conceptualising the robotisation of manufacturing work: a thematic analysis of the literature using soft systems thinking as lens

IF 7.3 2区 工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL
Verena Stingl, Lasse Christiansen, Andreas Kornmaaler Hansen, Astrid Heidemann Lassen, Yang Cheng
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose

The introduction of robots as value-adding “workers” on the shop floor triggers complex changes to manufacturing work. Such changes involve highly entangled relationships between technology, organisation and people. Understanding such entanglements requires a holistic assessment of contemporary robotised manufacturing work, to anticipate the dynamically emerging opportunities and risks of robotised work.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 87 papers was conducted to capture relevant themes of change in robotised manufacturing work. The literature was analysed using a thematic analysis approach, with Checkland’s soft systems thinking as an analytical framework.

Findings

Based on the literature analysis, the authors present a systemic conceptualisation of robotised manufacturing work. Specifically, the conceptualisation highlights four entangled themes of change: work, organisation of labour, workers’ (experiences) and the firm’s environment. Moreover, the authors discuss the complex patterns of interactions between these objects as relationships that defy straightforward cause–effect models.

Practical implications

The findings draw attention to complex interactions between robotisation and manufacturing work. It can, therefore, inform strategic decisions and support projects for robotisation from a holistic perspective.

Originality/value

The authors present a novel approach to studying and designing robotised manufacturing work as a conceptual system. In particular, the paper shifts the focus towards crucial properties of the system, which are subject to complex changes alongside the introduction of robot technology in manufacturing. Soft systems thinking enables new research avenues to explain complex phenomena at the intersection of robotisation and manufacturing work.

制造工作机器人化概念化:以软系统思维为视角的文献专题分析
目的引入机器人作为车间的增值 "工人",会引发制造工作的复杂变化。这种变化涉及技术、组织和人员之间的高度纠结关系。要理解这种纠葛,就需要对当代机器人化制造工作进行全面评估,以预测机器人化工作不断涌现的机遇和风险。 设计/方法/途径 对 87 篇论文进行了系统的文献综述,以捕捉机器人化制造工作变革的相关主题。在文献分析的基础上,作者提出了机器人化制造工作的系统概念。具体来说,该概念突出了四个相互纠缠的变革主题:工作、劳动组织、工人(经验)和企业环境。此外,作者还讨论了这些对象之间复杂的互动模式,认为它们之间的关系打破了直截了当的因果模式。原创性/价值作者提出了一种新颖的方法,将机器人化制造工作作为一个概念系统进行研究和设计。特别是,本文将重点转向了系统的关键属性,这些属性会随着机器人技术在制造业中的引入而发生复杂的变化。软系统思维为解释机器人化和制造工作交叉点上的复杂现象提供了新的研究途径。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management Engineering-Control and Systems Engineering
CiteScore
16.30
自引率
7.90%
发文量
45
期刊介绍: The Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management (JMTM) aspires to be the premier destination for impactful manufacturing-related research. JMTM provides comprehensive international coverage of topics pertaining to the management of manufacturing technology, focusing on bridging theoretical advancements with practical applications to enhance manufacturing practices. JMTM seeks articles grounded in empirical evidence, such as surveys, case studies, and action research, to ensure relevance and applicability. All submissions should include a thorough literature review to contextualize the study within the field and clearly demonstrate how the research contributes significantly and originally by comparing and contrasting its findings with existing knowledge. Articles should directly address management of manufacturing technology and offer insights with broad applicability.
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