The impact of supportive technologies on the human factor in warehousing: classification of assessment approaches in experimental studies

The increasing adoption of supportive technologies, such as exoskeletons and collaborative robots, in warehousing operations is reshaping the role of human operators. While these technologies aim to reduce physical strain and enhance efficiency, their impact on the human factor remains unclear, with diverse and fragmented assessment approaches and a lack of standardized evaluation criteria. This paper presents a PRISMA-based systematic literature review of 57 studies on supportive technologies in warehousing. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the experimental approaches used to evaluate physical, cognitive, perceptual, and psychosocial impacts In addition, it offers a structured classification of the technologies adopted, the warehouse activities they support, and the human dimensions they affect. The findings highlight current gaps in the literature and offer practical guidance for selecting appropriate assessment approaches in experimental studies. This work contributes to the development of human-centric approaches in warehousing and supports informed decision-making in both research and practice.