Matthias Beulmann

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Matthias Beulmann investigates the intersection of labor economics and mental health, focusing on how technological disruption—specifically industrial automation—affects workers’ psychological well-being. His most cited work, “Are They Coming for Us? Industrial Robots and the Mental Health of Workers” (2024), with 55 citations, combines individual-level data from the German Socioeconomic Panel with sectoral robot adoption statistics from the International Federation of Robotics. This research reveals that rising robot exposure correlates with significant declines in workers’ mental health, driven by job insecurity and perceived loss of control. An earlier version of this study (2019, 17 citations) established foundational evidence for these effects. Beulmann’s contributions are notable for bridging macro-level technological trends with micro-level human outcomes, offering critical insights for policymakers and employers navigating automation’s social costs. His work has been influential in shaping debates on the psychological toll of Industry 4.0, earning recognition for its rigorous empirical approach and timely relevance. By quantifying the hidden emotional burdens of technological change, Beulmann provides a vital counterpoint to purely productivity-focused narratives, making his research essential reading for scholars of labor, health, and innovation.