Support or Overload? Cognitive Ergonomics in Human-Robot Application

The introduction of collaborative robots and Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) systems in industrial contexts can sustain or even increase productivity while improving workers' well-being by reducing physical strain and assisting or replacing humans in repetitive or non-ergonomic tasks. Attention to safety requirements by design (e.g., sensors, force control) has increased over time, as an essential element of HRC. However, while safe and healthy collaboration should depend on both physical and cognitive comfort, HRC might induce mental stress and cognitive workload, ultimately affecting workforce health. These aspects, as well as their consequences for the workforce, have not yet been fully systematized, resulting in unclear guidance for establishing effective HRC in industrial contexts. Hence, this preliminary literature review aims to analyze the literature on the cognitive ergonomics of HRC systems across diverse industrial applications, seeking to answer the following research question: What are the main insights provided by the extant literature on cognitive ergonomics in HRC in industrial contexts? What are the recent developments identified within this domain, and how can they inform future research directions? As a result, recurring trends and promising future research directions are outlined. Analyzed articles underscore the importance of multimodal measurements to capture the intricate dynamics of human-robot collaborative settings, as well as the need to consider a broader set of indicators related to experience-level outcomes of HRC (e.g., affective well-being). Increasing attention is given to systems that draw on psychophysiological information to adapt in real-time collaboration dynamics (e.g., the cobot's pace) to individual variability and preferences.

Keywords: Cognitive Ergonomics, Human-Robot Collaboration, Manufacturing, Occupational Health, Literature Review, Industry 5.0.