Master Thesis: Acceptance of AI and Automation in Industrial Production
Vara, SE, 534 91
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Background
Manufacturing companies are increasingly introducing automation, sensors, and artificial intelligence to
support and automate production processes. When such technologies are introduced into processes
where operators, assemblers, or other production personnel are directly involved, the challenge extends
beyond the technical implementation.
Different forms of data collection, from source systems as cameras, pressure sensors, positional data,
timers, or other sensors, may be perceived very differently depending on what information is collected,
how it is used, and how the implementation is communicated.
Successful implementation of AI and automation therefore requires an understanding of how different
stakeholders perceive these technologies, as well as which organizational, legal, ethical, and
communicative factors influence acceptance.
Purpose
The purpose of the thesis is to investigate which factors influence the acceptance of AI-, automation-,
and sensor-based solutions in an industrial production environment, with particular focus on solutions
that interact with, or collect information about, manually performed work activities.
The study should identify the perspectives and requirements of relevant stakeholder groups, for example:
- Operators and assemblers
- Production management
- Automation and IT functions
- Human Resources and occupational health and safety functions
- Trade union representatives
- Potentially legal and data protection functions
Different types of information collection may be analyzed and compared from perspectives such as
privacy, transparency, perceived monitoring, technical purpose, and proportionality.
A potential outcome of the thesis is the development of a framework or recommended working process
for introducing and communicating new AI and automation solutions in industrial production.
A possible overarching research question is:
How should an industrial organization structure information collection, communication, and
stakeholder involvement when introducing AI- and automation-based solutions in production
environments?
Data Collection
The study is expected to be conducted as a qualitative case study within Volo Penta’s Vara factory
environment.
Data collection may include:
- Semi-structured interviews with different stakeholder groups
- Analysis of existing or planned AI and automation use cases
- A literature review covering topics such as technology acceptance, human–automation
interaction, responsible AI, and organizational change - Review of relevant legislation, internal policies, and guidelines
By comparing existing research with perspectives collected from the industrial case, the student should be
able to identify common acceptance factors, differences between stakeholder groups, potential conflicts,
and practical requirements for future implementation projects.
The final result should provide both an academic analysis and a practically applicable framework that can
support future AI, sensor, and automation initiatives in the factory.
Relevant Academic Fields
Suitable for students in Industrial Engineering and Management, Information Systems, or related fields.
Recommended Level
Suitable for Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis work. For a Master’s thesis, the study should include a broader
stakeholder analysis and development of a generalizable framework
Ready for the next move?
Contact: Leif Funke, Manager Digitalization & IT, leif.funke.2@volvo.com
Last application date: October 31
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Who we are and what we believe in
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.
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