Background

The Volvo Production System is built on the principle of continuous improvement, aiming to enhance both the effectiveness and efficiency of production processes. As part of the ongoing fifth industrial revolution, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is actively exploring new technologies that can contribute to productive, flexible and human-centric production systems.

Humanoid robots are particularly interesting because they are designed to operate in environments originally developed for humans. However, introducing humanoid robots into industrial workplaces is not only a technical challenge. Their successful implementation also depends on how operators perceive, accept and interact with them.

In collaboration with Volvo CE, Mälardalen University (MDU) has acquired a Unitree G1 humanoid robot to investigate its potential in industrial manufacturing and logistics.

Thesis Description

The humanoid robot is located at MITC in Eskilstuna, where an industrial kitting application is being developed. The robot will perform logistics activities such as identifying, picking and transporting components while working in an environment shared with human operators.

This thesis will focus on the human perspective of introducing humanoid robots into industrial work. The work will investigate how operators experience interaction and collaboration with a humanoid robot and which factors influence their willingness to accept and work alongside such technology.

An important part of the thesis will be to move beyond laboratory testing and conduct field tests at Volvo CE factories in Sweden. Operators will have the opportunity to interact with and experience the humanoid robot in real industrial environments. These field studies will provide an opportunity to investigate user acceptance and human–robot collaboration under realistic production conditions.

Possible research topics include:

• User acceptance: attitudes towards and willingness to work with humanoid robots.
• Trust: how robot behaviour, reliability and predictability influence operator trust.
• Human–robot collaboration: how tasks and responsibilities should be shared between humans and humanoids.
• Usability and interaction: how operators understand, communicate with and interact with the robot.
• Perceived safety: how operators experience physical proximity, robot movements and shared workspaces.
• Industrial implementation: identifying organizational, technical and human factors that may enable or hinder the introduction of humanoid robots in production.

The study may combine controlled tests at MITC with field studies at Swedish Volvo CE factories. Data may be collected through observations, questionnaires, interviews and structured experiments with operators.

The expected outcome is an assessment of user acceptance and human–robot collaboration in real industrial environments, together with recommendations and requirements for the future introduction of humanoid robots at Volvo CE.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for master’s students interested in the interaction between people, technology and industrial production. You should be curious about emerging technologies and interested in understanding how new automation solutions affect operators and organizations.

An interest in experimental studies, field studies, interviews, questionnaires, ergonomics, human factors or technology implementation is valuable. The thesis will include interaction with operators and visits to industrial sites, making good communication skills and an interest in conducting studies in real production environments important.

Suitable Background

• Industrial Engineering and Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Production Engineering
• Human Factors, Ergonomics or related fields

Practical Information

Thesis level: Master

Language: Swedish or English

Number of students: 1–2

Last day for apply: 30 November

Location: MITC, Eskilstuna, combined with field studies at Volvo CE factories in Sweden

Industrial partner: Volvo Construction Equipment

Volvo CE contact: Lars Hanson

MDU contact: Prince Chacko Johnson