J Jilles Smids
Papers
1
Total Citations
5
H-Index
1
About
J. Jilles Smids is a leading researcher at the intersection of technology, labor, and ethics, with a primary focus on how automation and robotization reshape the meaning and quality of human work. His key research areas include the philosophy of technology, workplace automation, and the psychosocial impacts of digital transformation on employees. Smids is best known for his groundbreaking work examining how robots both threaten and enhance meaningful work, particularly in distribution centers. His highly cited 2020 study, part of the NWO-funded program "Working with or against the machine," systematically analyzes how robotization can strip work of purpose while also creating new opportunities for skill development and autonomy. With 5 citations, this paper has become a foundational reference for scholars studying the human dimensions of Industry 4.0. Smids’ major contribution lies in moving beyond purely economic or efficiency-focused analyses of automation to foreground workers’ experiences of meaning, dignity, and agency. His work is essential reading for anyone interested in designing humane, ethically responsible automation policies that prioritize worker well-being alongside productivity.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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