Technology as a Key to Inclusion
Austrian companies with at least 25 employees are required to employ at least one legally recognized person with a disability. Despite this regulation, only about a quarter of businesses meet this obligation. Fischer sees untapped potential in this: “We shouldn’t focus on what people can’t do, but rather on what they can do and how robots can support them in a targeted way.”
A key focus is safety, as existing safety standards are predominantly designed for people without disabilities. Therefore, experts at ROBOTICS are working in committees to further develop these standards, making them more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
An example from research demonstrates how inclusive workplaces can be designed. Sensitive lightweight robots in human-centered collaborative applications take over monotonous tasks and contribute to ergonomic improvements. For instance, a robot can hold a component while a person fastens it. The technology adapts individually: “The table height can automatically adjust if a person in a wheelchair approaches, and the robot waits until the person is ready before it moves,” explains the expert, describing her experimental setup.
The project is supported by various institutions, including disability organizations that are involved early in the development process. Companies looking to make their production processes more inclusive are also participating.
Machines That Adapt to Humans
In addition to workplace design, the focus is also on adapting machines to people’s needs. Instead of merely analyzing how humans interact with machines, the key question now is: “How can machines adapt to humans?” The robot perceives the situation using sensors. Camera systems or sensors detect if a person in a wheelchair is approaching and automatically adjust the table height accordingly. The same could be triggered by registration chips that activate visual instead of acoustic warning signals, supporting barrier-free use.
In addition to the positive impact on society, there are also economic benefits. Research shows that inclusive technologies can help reduce long-term sick leave and improve workplace ergonomics for employees.
The Future of Work: Flexible and Human-Centered
The workplaces of the future are set to become more flexible and autonomous. They will adapt to employees' abilities - for example, through individually adjustable work heights or assistive robots that reduce physical strain. AI-driven systems will also enable the early detection of employees' needs and provide personalized support.
Project SAFEIVERSE: “Integrating Diversity and Inclusion into the Design of Safe Human-Robot Collaboration”
The SAFEIVERSE project is funded by the Carinthian Science Fund (KWF) and runs until July 2026. The developed concepts will be tested and evaluated in practice. Sarah Beranek from the POLICIES Institute brings in the gender perspective and examines the acceptance of the technologies. The goal is to create a best-practice workplace that serves as a model for companies. Fischer summarizes: “We want to demonstrate that a diverse working world can be realized through innovative technologies.”
Clara Fischer is a Key Researcher at the ROBOTICS Institute of JOANNEUM RESEARCH in Klagenfurt. She studied mechanical engineering at TU Wien, specializing in rehabilitation technology and aerospace gear systems. Her research focuses on safe and inclusive human-robot collaboration. Before joining JOANNEUM RESEARCH in October 2023, she spent four years working in robot safety at TU Wien. Her particular interest lies in adapting workplaces to individual needs to promote the integration of people with disabilities into the labor market.
