THESIS DEFENSE Candidate: Melissa Henderson Advisor: Dr. Jenay Beer Date: Friday, November 6, 2015 Time: 2:15pm Place: Swearingen, 3A75 Conference Room Abstract Industrial applications have not been extensively researched regarding human-robot interaction. This project investigated industrial robot acceptance in the context of one manufacturing site. Acceptance was examined in relation to the workforce and conditions of acceptance were identified using mixed methodology. Quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (interviews) data was used to measure and analyze the existing state of technology acceptance and site culture. Based on this exploratory study, it was found the manufacturing facility has a weak culture but would be generally accepting of industrial robots if the technology were easy to use and useful. The identified boundary conditions to acceptance included training, job satisfaction and the opportunity to work in teams. It is hypothesized there was hesitation towards acceptance for age groups > 42 years and with less technology experience or exposure.