Human augmentation technology for teleworking in service/non-service industries: a survey in Japan

Abstract

Telework has been widely accepted in industries as an effective means for business continuity and employee wellbeing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its application is limited to specific types of jobs such as office work. The expectation toward digital technologies to overcome emerging risks is even accelerating under the influence of COVID-19. Specifically, human augmentation technologies (HAT) are anticipated to realize a new type of teleworking called augmented teleworking, which could create rich service experiences without physical contacts. However, the actual needs for HAT for teleworking are still understudied. This study aims to clarifies the needs and potential impacts of HAT for teleworking through the web questionnaire survey to workers across different industries and locations in Japan. The result implies that HAT to overcome access barriers and pursue reality in teleworking are anticipated and teleworking experiences would promote the needs for HAT.

Keywords: human augmentation, teleworking, service, COVID-19

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002535