Abstract
This study identified and characterized the factors influencing managers’ intentions to adopt collaborative robots (cobots) in manufacturing companies. Based on a conceptual framework that integrates three technology adoption theories (Diffusion of Innovation, Technology-organization-environment and Institutional theory) and following an exploratory qualitative research design, this paper identifies 39 factors influencing the intention to adopt cobots in three contexts (internal, external and technology). Twelve of these factors are new as contrasted with previous literature. The findings of this study can assist organizations in their process of adoption of cobots and in the development of managerial practices that consider the role of these factors. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
Previous literature shows that there are different environmental factors with different impacts on the adoption of technologies in a supply chain context. Thus, the adoption of technologies in supply chains may vary according to different environmental factors. Despite the existence of several studies about adoption of technologies in supply chain contexts that include environmental factors, there is a gap in identifying which environmental factors influence the adoption of digitalization technologies in supply chains. The purpose of this study is therefore to identify and analyze the environmental factors that influence the adoption of digitalization technologies in the supply chain. An exploratory qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with Portuguese managers of companies at several tiers of the automotive supply chain. Environmental factors were pointed as particularly critical drivers to promote the adoption of digitalization technologies in the automotive supply chain. Such adoption is mainly driven by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), through coercive and normative pressures over the other tiers of the supply chain. Relevant factors identified are: Compliance with standards and legislation, market and industry pressures, and benchmark the evolution of supply chain partners. This study contributes to the literature with new knowledge concerning new specificities of the environmental factors that showed an important influence on the adoption decision. © 2019 IEEE.