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