Master Thesis: Acceptance of AI and Automation in Industrial Production

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Background

Manufacturing companies are increasingly introducing automation, sensors, and artificial intelligence to

support and automate production processes. When such technologies are introduced into processes

where operators, assemblers, or other production personnel are directly involved, the challenge extends

beyond the technical implementation.

Different forms of data collection, from source systems as cameras, pressure sensors, positional data,

timers, or other sensors, may be perceived very differently depending on what information is collected,

how it is used, and how the implementation is communicated.

Successful implementation of AI and automation therefore requires an understanding of how different

stakeholders perceive these technologies, as well as which organizational, legal, ethical, and

communicative factors influence acceptance.

Purpose

The purpose of the thesis is to investigate which factors influence the acceptance of AI-, automation-,

and sensor-based solutions in an industrial production environment, with particular focus on solutions

that interact with, or collect information about, manually performed work activities.

The study should identify the perspectives and requirements of relevant stakeholder groups, for example:

Operators and assemblersProduction managementAutomation and IT functionsHuman Resources and occupational health and safety functionsTrade union representativesPotentially legal and data protection functions

Different types of information collection may be analyzed and compared from perspectives such as

privacy, transparency, perceived monitoring, technical purpose, and proportionality.

A potential outcome of the thesis is the development of a framework or recommended working process

for introducing and communicating new AI and automation solutions in industrial production.

A Possible Overarching Research Question Is

How should an industrial organization structure information collection, communication, and

stakeholder involvement when introducing AI- and automation-based solutions in production

environments?

Data Collection

The study is expected to be conducted as a qualitative case study within Volo Penta’s Vara factory

environment.

Data Collection May Include

Semi-structured interviews with different stakeholder groupsAnalysis of existing or planned AI and automation use casesA literature review covering topics such as technology acceptance, human–automation interaction, responsible AI, and organizational changeReview of relevant legislation, internal policies, and guidelines

By comparing existing research with perspectives collected from the industrial case, the student should be

able to identify common acceptance factors, differences between stakeholder groups, potential conflicts,

and practical requirements for future implementation projects.

The final result should provide both an academic analysis and a practically applicable framework that can

support future AI, sensor, and automation initiatives in the factory.

Relevant Academic Fields

Suitable for students in Industrial Engineering and Management, Information Systems, or related fields.

Recommended Level

Suitable for Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis work. For a Master’s thesis, the study should include a broader

stakeholder analysis and development of a generalizable framework

Ready for the next move?

Contact: Leif Funke, Manager Digitalization & IT, leif.funke.2@volvo.com

Last application date: October 31

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Who We Are And What We Believe In

We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Volvo Penta, a world-leading supplier of engines and complete drive systems for marine and industrial applications, you will be part of a global and diverse team of highly skilled professionals who works with passion, trust each other and embraces change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.