Cobot-assisted tasks reduce physical strain but increase mental demand
A recent scientific study titled “A comparison of motivational work characteristics and cognitive workload in manual vs. cobot-assisted manufacturing tasks” explores how collaborative robots (cobots) influence work experience by comparing manual and cobot‑assisted task execution in an industrial setting.
The study adopted a within-subject quasi-experimental design in which 38 participants performed a battery disassembly task under both manual and cobot-supported conditions. To assess the impact of each modality, researchers gathered self-reported data alongside physiological signals.
Motivational work characteristics were evaluated using validated questionnaires, while physiological responses were recorded using the Bitbrain Versatile Bio biosignal system, which captured electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyography (EMG) signals during task execution. Data acquisition and synchronization were carried out using Bitbrain’s SennsLab software, enabling continuous monitoring of stress-related indicators.
Manual tasks were associated with higher autonomy and job complexity, while cobot-assisted work enhanced task variety and cognitive involvement, as well as perceived meaningfulness, satisfaction, and engagement.
Physiological and subjective measures revealed a trade-off between physical and cognitive demands: cobot-assisted tasks reduced physical strain and physiological stress but increased mental demand, frustration, and psychological stress.
Although overall workload did not significantly differ between conditions, its composition changed: physical effort decreased while cognitive demands increased. Workload and stress levels declined over repeated cobot, suggesting user adaptation.
These findings show that cobots can reduce physical strain while increasing cognitive and emotional demands
Further details on the experimental design, data analysis, and results are available in the full paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10111-026-00882-5
