Translation, Adaptation, and Validation in Portuguese of an Acceptance Scale for Human–Robot Interaction in an Industrial Context

Abstract

Industry 4.0, characterized by the integration of advanced technologies across various industrial domains, is now evolving into Industry 5.0, which emphasizes the human perspective, resilience, and sustainability. In this context, the study of human behavior and attitudes towards human–robot interaction (HRI) is crucial for understanding the acceptance of this emerging technology, which, in turn, can drive the development of more well-designed industrial robotic systems. This paper is aimed at translating, adapting, and validating a scale designed to measure acceptance in the context of HRI within industrial settings, with a focus on collaborative robots (cobots). To conduct an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), 140 participants (male = 45%, female = 52%, and nonbinary = 3%) were recruited. The results revealed a four-factor structure for the Frankenstein Syndrome Questionnaire–Industrial Context (FSQ-IC): “general anxiety towards cobots” (α = 0.87), “trustworthiness towards developers of cobots” (α = 0.83), “apprehension towards cobots in the industrial context” (α = 0.73), and “expectation of cobots in social change” (α = 0.69). For further validation and to help ensure the validity and reliability of the adapted scale, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with a sample of 210 participants (male = 45%, female = 53%, and nonbinary = 2%). The model fit indices, including a χ²/df of 3.14 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.10, indicated an acceptable fit. The goodness-of-fit index (GFI), comparative fit index (CFI), and normed fit index (NFI) were 0.88, 0.90, and 0.86, respectively, all within acceptable ranges. Convergent and discriminant validities were also analyzed. An analysis of the differences in perceptions of acceptance based on sociodemographic variables (gender, experience with robots, educational level, and age) was conducted. Only gender revealed significant differences. Considering the psychometric qualities of the instrument, the FSQ-IC is valid and reliable for assessing acceptance in HRI.