The symbiosis of work and technology

the long version

This book presents current thinking about the experiences of the design, implementation, and evaluation of symbiotic production systems, in which technological, organizational, and social factors are integrated to establish economically viable systems. When implemented and operated successfully, the book contends that such symbiotic systems secure enhanced worker and system performance; in turn this delivers competitive leverage and employee satisfaction. The chapters range over anthropometric systems, socio-technology, participation, and AI and knowledge-based systems. An underlying theme is the management of change. With contributions from Australia, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, and the USA, a distinguished group of authors provides a state-of-the-art overview which will help to realise the aims of this innovative and important initiative and facilitate its acceptance in the mainstream.