Human factors in digital manufacturing technology adoption: a workforce perspective

Abstract

The UK is the twelfth-largest manufacturing nation globally, yet its adoption of digital manufacturing technologies (DMTs) lags behind other European countries. In an era where industrial automation and digital transformation are essential for maintaining competitiveness, understanding the human factors influencing the acceptance and implementation of these technologies is critical. This study examines the perceptions of 313 UK manufacturing employees regarding the usefulness, ease of use, and workplace impact of DMTs. Findings indicate that while employees recognise the potential benefits of DMTs such as increased productivity, improved product quality, and enhanced competitiveness, concerns remain regarding ease of use, workforce upskilling, and physical interaction with new technologies. Notably, employees with lower educational qualifications expressed greater scepticism about the applicability of DMTs. Furthermore, those working in companies that had already implemented digital technologies reported more positive perceptions compared to non-users, emphasising the role of experience in shaping attitudes. The study highlights the need for targeted training and change management strategies to facilitate smoother workforce adaptation to digital advancements. These findings provide insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and system designers aiming to integrate human-centric approaches in the transition to Industry 4.0 and beyond.