Navigating Automation: Lived Experiences of Factory Operators Adapting to Robotic Systems

Abstract

The rapid integration of robotic systems into industrial environments has transformed the nature of human work and raised important questions about how workers experience technological change. Within this broader context, limited attention has been given to the subjective experiences of factory operators who must adapt to automation on a daily basis. While much is known about the functional benefits of automation, little is understood about how such transformations are perceived and internalized by workers—this study asks: What is the lived experience of factory operators adapting to robotic systems in an automated industrial setting?

This study employs an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore and interpret the individual meanings assigned to this adaptation process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 factory operators, followed by a rigorous thematic analysis of their narratives. The findings reveal five central themes: fear of redundancy, difficulty in technological adaptation, emotional ambivalence, identity reconstruction, and perceived inequality in access to support. These themes demonstrate that automation is not solely a technical transition, but a deeply personal and psychological journey. The study also shows how some operators move from resistance to acceptance by reframing their professional identities.

These insights contribute to a more human-centered understanding of industrial automation and call for more inclusive, empathetic approaches to technological transitions. The findings hold implications for industrial policymakers, training designers, and researchers seeking to ensure that innovation aligns with the well-being and dignity of workers.