“If the technology doesn’t work as intended, it adds stress”
It is important to incorporate health and safety aspects from the very beginning of the digitalisation process, according to Åsa Cajander, Professor of Human-Machine Interaction and leader of the project. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
How does the introduction of new technology affect the working environment at Arlanda and other airports? This is the question that researchers at the Department of Information Technology are investigating in the project “Automatiseringen, robotiseringens och AI:s påverkan på arbetsmiljön för markpersonal på flygplatser” [The impact of automation, robotisation and AI on the working environment of airport ground crew] (TARA). We posed a few questions to Åsa Cajander, Professor of Human-Machine Interaction and leader of the project.
What kind of automation are we talking about?
“In the TARA project, my PhD student Jonathan Källbäcker and I are studying the technology used by ground crew – namely loaders, tankers and airport technicians – at Swedish airports. Such technology includes baggage handling robots, digital scanners for baggage handling, and automated decision support for logistics. These technological solutions are used in daily operations and affect how tasks are planned, performed and followed up.”
What are the challenges when introducing new technologies?
“One challenge is that technology is sometimes introduced without fully considering the impact on the working environment. If the technology does not work as intended, such as connectivity issues, it adds stress to an already tight schedule. There are also examples of work tasks becoming more fragmented when several different digital tools are used simultaneously. On top of that, unexpected consequences often arise when working with technology, requiring the crew to be able to troubleshoot and manage situations on the spot. Thus, the work requires a higher level of digital skills than before.”
How does it affect the working environment?
“Technology can affect the working environment both positively and negatively. Positively by making cumbersome tasks easier, but negatively by introducing new types of stress. Examples of such stress are repetitive strain injuries to the hands and shoulders, technostress when systems are not working properly, and difficulties in keeping up with everything during turnaround time. In addition, work is becoming more technology-driven, for example through automated systems and digital instructions, which can reduce the room for manoeuvre and flexibility of tasks.”
Is there anything in particular that managers should bear in mind?
“For the implementation of new technologies to be successful, managers need to think about both their usability in practice and the implementation process itself. It is not enough for the technology to work technically - how it is introduced into the organisation is just as important.
A user-centred approach is crucial. This means involving staff early on, capitalising on their experience and needs, and creating structures for feedback and ongoing adaptation. The technology must be robust, work in cold climates and not lead to new problems in daily operations.
In addition, it is important that health and safety aspects are integrated from the start of the digitalisation process – not as an afterthought. Finally, managers should work closely with safety officers and trade union representatives to ensure that the change process is sustainable.”
Why is this important to examine?
“Because attention is rarely paid to the working environment of the ground crew when new technologies are introduced, even though their work is physically demanding and takes place in a complex and regulated environment. Studying the impact of automation and digitalisation on these groups of workers allows us to identify risks in time, strengthen what works well, and contribute to better working conditions. It is also crucial to make the professions more attractive at a time when the industry is struggling to recruit.”
Åsa Malmberg