COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS (COBOTS) AND THEIR IMPACT ON MANUFACTURING PRODUCTIVITY AND WORKPLACE SAFETY: A SURVEY-BASED STUDY

Abstract

The integration of collaborative robots (cobots) into manufacturing has created new opportunities to improve production efficiency while reducing workers' exposure to repetitive and physically demanding activities. However, empirical evidence concerning the simultaneous effects of cobot adoption on productivity and workplace safety remains particularly important as manufacturing organizations move toward Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. This study investigates the perceived impact of collaborative robots on manufacturing productivity and workplace safety using a quantitative survey design. For manuscript development, an illustrative dataset comprising 250 employees, supervisors, engineers, and production managers from manufacturing organizations in Lahore was analyzed. Data were collected through a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire measuring cobot adoption, productivity, workplace safety, ergonomic improvement, human–robot collaboration, and employee training. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were employed. The illustrative findings indicate that respondents generally perceived cobots as contributing positively to production efficiency, task consistency, flexibility, ergonomic conditions, and reduction of exposure to physically demanding activities. Cobot adoption demonstrated a positive association with manufacturing productivity and workplace safety. Human–robot collaboration and employee training also emerged as important explanatory factors. The findings further indicate that technological adoption alone does not guarantee safer production environments; appropriate risk assessment, workstation design, operator competence, and continuous monitoring remain essential. The study concludes that cobots can support simultaneous improvements in productivity and workplace safety when implemented through a human-centered and systematically managed approach.