Master Thesis: Acceptance of AI and Automation in Industrial Production

Job description

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match. 

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 assemblers
·  Production management
·  Automation and IT functions
·  Human Resources and occupational health and safety functions
·  Trade union representatives
·  Potentially 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 groups
·  Analysis of existing or planned AI and automation use cases
·  A literature review covering topics such as technology acceptance, human–automation 
interaction, responsible AI, and organizational change
·  Review 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

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

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.

Job Category:  Technology Engineering

Organization:  Volvo Penta

Travel Required:  No Travel Required

Requisition ID:  35391