Challenges in introducing automated guided vehicles in a production facility–interactions between human, technology, and organisation
Journal article, 2023

Previous research on automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and Industry 4.0 has mainly focused on technical aspects, while the humans who work with AGVs as well as the influences on the organisation have received limited attention. This paper aims to explore human- and organisation-related challenges in the introduction of AGVs in production facilities. Two cases are examined and analysed using the Human, Technology, and Organisation (HTO) model, which highlights the interactions between the three subsystems: human, technology, and organisation. The paper shows that several human- and organisation-related challenges arise when introducing AGVs, such as supporting the AGVs with new work procedures for managing AGV errors, determining what different operators need to know about AGVs, and developing acceptance among employees. The identified challenges complement the technical focus in previous research. Actions are proposed to facilitate the introduction of AGVs to avoid or manage the identified challenges. The findings of this study can help managers involved in the introduction of AGVs to consider human- and organisation-related aspects to improve AGV performance and employee well-being.

Industry 5.0

Industry 4.0

materials handling

human factors and ergonomics

Automated guided vehicles

Author

Nils Thylén

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

Carl Wänström

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

Robin Hanson

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

International Journal of Production Research

0020-7543 (ISSN) 1366-588X (eISSN)

Vol. 61 22 7809-7829

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Business Administration

DOI

10.1080/00207543.2023.2175310

More information

Latest update

3/7/2024 9