Humans remain crucial in industrial automation

Self-driving machines, AI and digital technologies. Autonomous systems are making industrial work safer and more efficient. However, the fact that the technology is autonomous does not mean that humans become redundant; rather, it places new knowledge demands on operators. This is shown by new research into the mining industry.

“A key finding is that operators are not disappearing from the picture; on the contrary, they are becoming more central,” says Erik Lund, author of a new doctoral thesis in Human Work Sciences at Luleå University of Technology.

The thesis shows that operators’ tasks are changing, from driving and handling machines on site to monitoring, interpreting and intervening across an entire system, which entails both greater responsibility and closer interaction with the technology. At the same time, automation risks making the work more rule-bound and less social.

Reduces risk of accidents

Autonomous systems can help meet the high demands for operational reliability, productivity and human safety that characterise the mining industry. When machines replace people in hazardous environments, the risk of serious accidents is reduced.

“When work shifts towards monitoring and system coordination, new demands arise in terms of attention, judgement and collaboration, which must also be taken seriously from a work environment perspective. Of course, it is positive that automation makes the mining industry safer. But we must not forget people’s need for meaningful work in the automation process,” says Erik Lund.

The thesis is based on three studies: a review of previous research on the digitalisation of mines, interviews with technology developers and designers, and a case study of how an autonomous transport system operates in a Swedish mine.

Reshaping work

The research shows that automation does not replace operators in the mining industry, but their work is reshaped. The work becomes less manual, while operators’ responsibility for monitoring and analysing the systems and intervening when something does not function increases. The operators’ new role places new demands on skills development and work organisation.

Erik Lund notes that operators’ roles tend to be overlooked when new systems are developed.

“End users – that is, the operators – must be involved much earlier in the development process. Human perspectives must be brought in. What do operators need in order for their work to be both effective and experienced as meaningful? The answers to those questions are important if we are to create a good society.”

Efficient and meaningful

He emphasises that efficiency and meaningfulness are not mutually exclusive.

“It is important that we have the technology to be able to compete on the global market. But there is an overreliance on the idea that technology will solve all problems. If we do it properly, by integrating human perspectives into technological development, we can create both meaningful jobs and ensure our global competitiveness,” says Erik Lund.

• The doctoral thesisStill in the Loop: Understanding Operator Work in Autonomous Mining Systems