HUMAN-ROBOT COLLABORATION IN THE WORKPLACE PERCEPTION OF TECHNICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDENTS IN POLAND

Purpose: The article investigates the perception of human-robot collaboration (HRC) in the workplace among students with diverse fields of study (social and technical). The primary objective was to identify differences in attitudes, interests, and emotional responses towards robots, providing insights into their acceptance and future integration into professional environments. Design/methodology/approach: The research employed a survey-based approach, collecting data from 130 students: 69 from social sciences and 61 from technical fields using the CAWI technique. It focused on analysing students' interest in technology and science fiction, their associations and emotions linked to robots, preferences for robot appearance, and opinions on robot functionality in various contexts. Findings: The results show some statistically significant differences in the perception of robots and cooperation with robots in the workplace, depending on the field of study. Research limitations/implications: The study's limitations include its reliance on a survey method, small sample size, and differences in gender participation across the study's fields. Practical implications: The results suggest that the perceptions of both robots and collaboration in the workplace differ across the groups analysed. This indicates the need for tailored workplace strategies to reduce discomfort and enhance collaboration with robots. Social implications: The research highlights the importance of functional and user-friendly designs for robot designers and the importance of preparing students for future HRC scenarios through theoretical and practical experiences. Originality/value: This research sheds light on the connections between education, psychology, and robotics, delving into the constructs related to the perception and acceptance of robots in the workplace and contributing to a broader discourse on factors related to the acceptance and perception of technology by the generation entering the workforce.