Download full text
(external source)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org/10.3390/soc6020016
Exports for your reference manager
Robots, Industry 4.0 and humans, or why assembly work is more than routine work
[journal article]
Abstract
This article condenses the key findings of qualitative studies on assembly work. Grounded conceptually in considerations of the role of experiential knowledge and living labor capacity with regard to informal expertise and tacit knowledge, the empirical results challenge the dominant view of assembl... view more
This article condenses the key findings of qualitative studies on assembly work. Grounded conceptually in considerations of the role of experiential knowledge and living labor capacity with regard to informal expertise and tacit knowledge, the empirical results challenge the dominant view of assembly work as routine tasks that could easily be replaced by robotics. The empirical basis comprised of 62 qualitative interviews in five assembly plants provides answers to two questions: Are there non-routine aspects to be found in assembly work today? What exactly is the nature of experience in assembly work? The detailed research results are presented in three steps: the first focuses on the role of the non-routine in core assembly tasks; the second discusses the important and increasing role played by interactive capabilities in assembly work to ensure high performance, quality, and a smooth material flow; and the third highlights the usually neglected role of assembly workers in processes of innovation and organizational learning. The concluding chapter discusses the findings from the perspective of new technological options in robotics, possible worker resistance and effects on employment.... view less
Keywords
assembly work; automation; industrial robot; effect on employment
Classification
Sociology of Work, Industrial Sociology, Industrial Relations
Free Keywords
Industry 4.0; laboring capacity; tacit knowledge
Document language
English
Publication Year
2016
Page/Pages
p. 1-26
Journal
Societies, 6 (2016) 2
Handle
https://hdl.handle.net/10419/172007
ISSN
2075-4698
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed