Tunes of trust: A framework for auditory nudges in human-ai manufacturing collaboration

This study investigates the application of musical and voice-based auditory nudges in enhancing human-AI interactions within a manufacturing setting, utilizing nudge theory to improve worker productivity, trust, and engagement. As AI technologies become more widespread in manufacturing environments, effective methods for fostering trust and collaboration between human operators and AI are essential. The increasing demand for customized products and rapid technological advancements in Industry 4.0 (I4.0) necessitate rapid employee adaptation, with humans playing a key role as the Human Component (HC) for its success. Therefore, the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and humans as inseparable parts of I4.0 need to be studied. Research has been done on improving the interaction between and performance of AI and humans. The impact of different nudge methods on worker productivity has also been studied, but not as an effective communication tool in human and AI teams. This study proposes a research framework that aims to explore using music as a medium for non-verbal cues, which has been shown to influence emotional perception and enhance task performance such as task continuity and worker productivity. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative metrics such as task completion times, alongside qualitative feedback to assess the impact of varied auditory nudges—including musical elements like tempo and pitch—on worker behavior and emotional response. Results from this experimental study will help to demonstrate the viability of musical nudges in increasing trust and efficiency in human-AI collaboration, providing insights into innovative strategies for optimizing Industry 4.0 environments.