Vijesti

Advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly used to automate a variety of tasks in workplaces across Europe, as their implementation can offer significant improvements in productivity and efficiency. In this context, ensuring occupational safety and health (OSH) remains a critical concern. EU-OSHA developed several case studies on automations currently operating in workplaces across Europe, illustrating how these systems can be integrated to take over diverse tasks in different economic sectors by balancing technological innovation with worker protection.

Relevance of case studies
The following case studies support the implementation of task automation in European Union companies, addressing the gap created by the lack of European examples and best practices. The case studies are organised by technology type, either AI, advanced robotics or a combination of both, and by the nature of the automation, whether cognitive or physical.

Cognitive automation using artificial intelligence systems
Artificial intelligence-based systems are employed to take over cognitive tasks like data analysis and decision-making, thereby improving workplace safety. In healthcare, a German oncology hospital uses AI to assist physicians in improving the detection rate of small tumours during colonoscopies, aiding in colon cancer diagnostics. Also in Germany, a government research institute utilises an AI-powered microscope to analyse nanomaterials, reducing the risk of contamination and saving time by automating manual and repetitive tasks traditionally performed by researchers.

AI is used in journalism too for fact-checking, as seen in an English charity that makes use of the technology to enhance the speed, scale and quality of its work, while carefully considering ethical concerns such as exposure of workers to harmful content like graphic violence or hate speech. In another example, a gas infrastructure operator in Norway equips drones with AI to support workers in inspecting worksites, keeping them out of potentially dangerous situations, avoiding exposure to harsh weather and ensuring reliable gas transport.

Tasks managed by advanced robotics
Advanced robotics can handle physical tasks like repetitive work or lifting. For instance, in a Slovenian company, robots assist workers in lifting heavy car parts, a task previously done manually. This shift allows employees to focus on quality control without experiencing the same levels of physical strain. Also, in the automative industry, a supplier operating in Portugal and Germany has automated sewing tasks for car manufacturing, freeing up workers’ time to concentrate on final assembly.

A Swedish plastic product manufacturer integrates collaborative robots, or cobots, operated by humans to relieve workers from monotonous tasks. This improves time efficiency, reduces issues like musculoskeletal disorders caused by repetitive strain and enables workers to focus on more complex tasks. A similar approach was taken by a tech development company in the Netherlands, where an autonomous robotic system was implemented to clean manure in dairy stables, shifting farmers away from manual labour towards more managerial responsibilities.

To prioritise worker safety, a state-owned gas infrastructure company in Norway deployed two robotic systems to inspect and maintain gas tanks, eliminating the need for manual entry and reducing risks for workers. 

Combining physical and cognitive tasks
Automation can also be implemented by combining artificial intelligence and advanced robotic technologies to simultaneously take over both cognitive and physical tasks. A common setup involves an AI-based system identifying imperfect products, paired with an automated robotic system, such as a robotic arm, to handle, sort and/or remove them from the production line. This reduces the workload for human operators, minimises errors and risks and improves psychosocial and physical health.

For example, in a sawmill in Sweden producing wooden boards, an AI system detects defective boards while a robot, supervised by workers, sorts them out. Similarly, a German conglomerate specialising in industrial digital transformation uses computer vision and X-ray inspection systems to detect errors in workpieces, which are then automatically set aside. At a Swedish-Norwegian company that develops automations for paint shops, AI-based solutions perform various quality control measures, with a robotic arm discarding the faulty products. A Danish technology company in the energy sector, which integrates similar systems, has also used automation to reduce night shifts for workers.

At a German company, cobots physically hold heavy components, which are later loaded and unloaded by autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). Finally, considering practices coming from outside Europe, a company from the United States uses an AI-based system that includes GPS and cameras to automate heavy construction equipment like excavators. As they can perform long and repetitive tasks, it improves efficiency by detecting obstacles while keeping workers out of harm’s way.

In conclusion, based on our findings, companies report that the key to successful, long-term implementation of task automation lies in their workforce. Their experience shows that prioritising worker safety and health with a human-centred design of the technology and establishing clear communication channels make the process smoother and reduces challenges along the way.

• For more information on EU-OSHA’s case studies on automation, check out the whole list.
• Explore our previous HWC article focusing on how to successfully integrate safe task automation at work.
• Take a look at all content related to automation of tasks!
• #EUhealthyworkplaces continues on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.