Publications / 1991 Proceedings of the 8th ISARC, Stuttgart, Germany

The Short-Term Social Implications for Construction Workers of Introducing Robots onto Australian Building Sites

C. C. Neil, G. D Salomonsson and R. Sharpe
Pages 317-325 (1991 Proceedings of the 8th ISARC, Stuttgart, Germany, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

This paper examines some of the short-term social implications for workers of introducing robots on to Australian construction sites. Consideration is given to their possible consequences of job displacement and job loss, polarization of the work force, workers’ job satisfaction, the loss, retention and enhancement of workers’ skills, and union disputation. The discussion suggests that the successful introduction of robots will depend largely on timing, implementation procedures, and appropriate job design for operators. However it has some implication for robot design: The design and development of single-purpose robots that assist an operator carry out a task best fits the characteristics of the industry at the present point in time.

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