Why not work with anthropomorphic collaborative robots? The mediation effect of perceived intelligence and the moderation effect of self-efficacy

Collaborative robots (cobots) are an essential component of intelligent manufacturing. However, employees working alongside them have negative attitudes toward cobots that assist humans' work. To address this industrial human–robot interaction problem, this study adopted the idea of cognitive ergonomics research, invited 323 participants, and conducted an empirical study using an experimental vignette methodology. This study found that (1) perceived intelligence plays a mediating role in the relationship between cobots anthropomorphism and negative attitudes toward cobots; (2) perceived intelligence and perceived threat play a serial mediating role in the relationship between cobots anthropomorphism and negative attitudes toward cobots; (3) robot use self-efficacy plays a moderating role in the relationship between perceived threat and negative attitudes toward cobots. The results provide a mechanistic explanation and related measures to eliminate the negative attitudes toward cobots.