Master Thesis: Acceptance of AI and Automation in Industrial Production
Manufacturing & Production · Production & Assembly · Manufacturing Engineering · Process Improvement · Sustainability
In short
This Master Thesis project focuses on investigating the factors influencing the acceptance of AI, automation, and sensor-based solutions in industrial production, particularly those interacting with manual work. The study will involve a qualitative case study at Volvo Penta's Vara factory, including interviews, analysis of use cases, and a literature review, aiming to develop a practical framework for introducing new technologies.
Responsibilities
- Investigate factors influencing the acceptance of AI, automation, and sensor-based solutions in industrial production.
- Focus on solutions that interact with or collect information about manually performed work activities.
- Identify perspectives and requirements of relevant stakeholder groups (operators, management, IT, HR, unions, legal).
- Analyze different types of information collection regarding privacy, transparency, perceived monitoring, technical purpose, and proportionality.
- Develop a framework or recommended working process for introducing and communicating new AI and automation solutions.
- Conduct a qualitative case study at Volvo Penta's Vara factory.
- Perform semi-structured interviews with different stakeholder groups.
- Analyze existing or planned AI and automation use cases.
- Conduct a literature review on technology acceptance, human-automation interaction, responsible AI, and organizational change.
- Review relevant legislation, internal policies, and guidelines.
- Provide an academic analysis and a practically applicable framework.
Requirements
- Suitable for students in Industrial Engineering and Management, Information Systems, or related fields.
- 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.
Desired Qualifications
- Understanding of how different stakeholders perceive AI and automation technologies.
- Knowledge of organizational, legal, ethical, and communicative factors influencing acceptance.
Benefits
- Opportunity to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future.
- Work with next-gen technologies and collaborative teams.
- Gain expertise in a global context.
- Opportunity to join Volvo Group.
- Work with leading brands and entities.
- Part of a global and diverse team of highly skilled professionals.
- Embrace change to stay ahead.
- Make customers win.
- Contribute to driving the transition to sustainable and safe transport, mobility and infrastructure solutions toward a net-zero society.
- Work with automated driving, electromobility, and connectivity.
- Defined by a climate of support, care, and mutual respect.
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