User Acceptance in Human–Robot Interaction: Exploring the Role of Anthropomorphic Mechanisms in Manufacturing Environments—A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract In pursuing Industry 5.0's vision, which emphasises human well-being and the seamless integration of robots into manufacturing processes, understanding the role of anthropomorphic design is crucial. Anthropomorphic design, where robots exhibit human-like, animal-like, or even entirely novel traits (e.g. a display scrolling text), aims to improve human–robot interaction (HRI) and enhance human acceptance within manufacturing contexts. Understanding the optimal degree of human-readable characteristics in robots is essential for further advancements in this domain. This systematic literature review aims to identify anthropomorphic mechanisms in HRI and their effect on human acceptance in manufacturing. Using the PRISMA methodology, a systematic literature review was conducted across the WOS, EBSCO, and SCOPUS databases, resulting in the selection of four articles for final analysis. A quality assessment of the articles was conducted. On a scale of 0 to 16, article scores ranged from 10 to 15, with an average score of 13. The findings indicate that while current research provides valuable insights, it has predominantly focused on conventional anthropomorphic mechanisms from social robotics, such as basic human-like features (e.g., facial expressions, gestures), without exploring more advanced or novel traits. This highlights significant room for further exploration and innovation in industrial settings to enhance user acceptance and interaction. The study underscores the necessity for continued research and development to leverage advanced anthropomorphic designs that can better fulfil the goals of Industry 5.0.