Designing Human–Robot Collaboration as a Joint Cognitive System: A Sociotechnical Framework for Safe and Meaningful Construction Work

Abstract: Despite decades of research, construction robotics adoption remains limited due to unstructured environments, task complexity, and misaligned automation models adapted from manufacturing. Integrating insights from Joint Cognitive Systems (JCS), Meaningful Work research and Human-Robot Collaboration in construction studies, we propose an alternative, sociotechnical framework for robotic system design structured around three interdependent dimensions: (1) Task and Agent Design, which supports dynamic structuring, agent configuration, and time-based collaboration; (2) Coordination and Communication, which facilitates communication, coordination, shared mental models and situational awareness; (3) Worker Well-Being, which embeds physical and psychological safety, relatedness, competence and autonomy considerations.