Lucy and the Chocolate Factory: Warehouse Robotics and Worker Safety
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The authors examine the implications of robotics for warehouse worker safety. While warehouse automation has the potential to reduce injuries by eliminating high-risk tasks, it may also increase injuries among remaining non-automated tasks because of reduced task variety and an accelerated pace of work. Findings provide evidence of both effects: Warehouse robotics are associated with a 40% decrease in severe injuries but a 77% increase in non-severe injuries. The authors provide subsequent evidence that the rise in non-severe injuries is at least partially attributable to the increased pace of work at robotics facilities. The implications of the findings for regulators, policymakers, workers, and firms are discussed.
Authors: Gordon Burtch, Brad Greenwood, Kiron Ravindran
Institutions: Boston University, George Mason University
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4409678104