AUGMENT
Organizations are heavily investing in AI and robotics, yet successful implementation in the workplace often falls short. The impact of these technologies is not predetermined: whether they improve work or make it more stressful depends on how people and organizations use them. Organizations and employees therefore need practical tools and guidance to navigate these rapid technological developments.
Objective
AUGMENT develops human-centered solutions that strengthen human expertise and foster employee well-being. The impact of technology on work and workers emerges through ongoing interactions between people, work, and technology. Therefore, this project approaches implementation not as a one-time change, but as a continuous and adaptive process. Employees play a central role in this process. They not only experience the direct consequences of working with technology, but also influence how they collaborate with it.
AUGMENT aims to empower organizations and employees to actively shape the impact of technological developments. By doing so, they can not only respond to current challenges, but also prepare for emerging technologies that are still beyond our imagination today.
Results
AUGMENT works towards:
- Work environments in which technology augments workers, in such a way that it improves work quality, well-being, and reduces inequality and skill mismatches.
- A resilient workforce and organizations equipped to navigate future digital transitions.
Approach
AUGMENT consists of four interconnected work packages that use a range of research methods, including experience sampling and intervention studies, to generate knowledge and provide employees and organizations with concrete action perspectives. The Research Group on Organizations and Digital Transformation is involved in Work Packages 1 and 2.
Work Package 1 examines how AI, robotics, and workers co-evolve, and under which conditions these technologies augment workers. Work Package 2 focuses on how employees can actively shape technology to achieve positive outcomes for both workers and organizations. Work Package 3 develops practical tools and guidelines for practice, while Work Package 4 integrates the findings from the different work packages and translates them into overarching insights and recommendations.
Projectupdates
HU researchers involved in the research
Collaboration with knowledge partners
Anchiano, AWVN, Bouwend Nederland, CSU Group, De Baaningenieurs, De Maatschappelijke Alliantie, Deltion College, Dufond, EUWIN, Eindhoven University of Technology, FNV Young & United, ING, James Loopbanen CNV, Katapult, Leah.AI Move37, Logitech, M-Path, Municipality of Amsterdam, Municipality of Utrecht, NLRobotics trade association, Police, Randstad Group, ROC van Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Stichting Perron 038, Stichting Smart Industry & FME, Stichting Tech Me Up, TechOost - Tech for Future, TechYourFuture, Tilburg University, TNO, TU Delft, University of Twente, UWV Strategie Beleid en Kenniscentrum, Utrecht Talent Alliantie, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, VANAD Contact Centers, VCP Vakcentrale voor professionals, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Weesvaardig, Werkleerbedrijf Lucrato / TINT, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, WorkBoost.
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