Assessing Trust Dynamics and Performance Efficiency in Multi-Cobot Human Collaborative Assembly in a Simulated Manufacturing Environment

Abstract

This research investigates the interplay between trust and performance in human-cobot collaboration during manual assembly tasks. By integrating two collaborative robots (FANUC CRX-10iA and UR10e) in a simulated manufacturing workflow, the study focuses on how varying trust levels impact task efficiency and worker decision-making when alternating between human-only and cobot-assisted workflows. Unlike traditional survey studies, this research prioritizes understanding the psychological and behavioral aspects of trust, using physiological monitoring and trust surveys to map fluctuations in trust during simulated cobot errors and task transitions.The results are expected to highlight that trust development is not only pivotal for improving task efficiency but also for enhancing safety and error management. By systematically introducing failures and tracking participants' responses, the study intends to provide insights into the thresholds of human trust in cobots, particularly when faced with unexpected behaviors. This approach differs from our previous study that primarily emphasized productivity, instead offering a comprehensive view of how trust dynamics can influence the success of human-robot collaboration in complex assembly environments. The findings serve as a blueprint for future studies aiming to balance human factors with technological advancements in manufacturing systems.