Contact Dr Sarah Fletcher
- Tel: +44 (0) 1234 758234
- Email: s.fletcher@cranfield.ac.uk
- Twitter: @drfletch67
- ORCID
Areas of expertise
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Ergonomics, Human Factors, Driver Safety
- Human Factors
- Industrial Automation
- Industrial Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Manufacturing Systems
Background
Sarah leads the Industrial Psychology and Human Factors (IPHF) group in the Centre for Robotics and Assembly and has been conducting human-systems research to enhance the safe and effective integration of people within new processes and technologies for 26 years. She has headed the human analysis work in many UK and EU projects, primarily in the manufacturing sector but also in defence, automotive and transport research. Sarah is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, teaches and supervises at Masters and Doctoral level, and developed the 'Psychology, Ethics and Standards' module for Cranfield's MSc in Robotics and the 'Ethics, Regulatory and Social Aspects of AI' module for the MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence. She is also a longstanding member of the UK's Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, Chair of the International Ergonomics Association Aerospace Technical Committee, and a member of the Women's Engineering Society. Sarah's work also involves active participation in the development of national and international standards for robotics / robot ethics, ergonomics, and industrial safety as a member of BSI, ISO and CEN standards committees.
Research opportunities
Sarah's research focuses primarily on studying the psychological and social aspects of human-system interactions and human-robot collaborations. In particular, her work explores how people respond to, and work with, intelligent and digital technologies and focuses on developing solutions that will promote human safety, acceptance, satisfaction and performance. She has progressed the development of mixed methods that incorporate sensor-based physiological measurement tools which, combined with traditional subjective and psychometric techniques, provide more comprehensive and reliable human analysis including quantified validation.
Current activities
Current research activities include leading the human analysis work across multiple EC Horizon Europe projects and the development of national and international standards. She is also Chair of forthcoming international robotics conferences to be held at Cranfield University in 2026:
14th–16th September 2026 - the 29th International Conference on Climbing and Walking Robots
17th–18th September 2026 - the 11th International Conference on Robot Ethics and Standards
Clients
Airbus
BAE Systems
Ford
Meggitt
Rolls-Royce
Publications
Articles In Journals
- Oostveen A-M & Fletcher SR. (2026). AI-enabled foraging in the forest: disrupting efficiency-driven sociotechnical imaginaries in wild foraging. AI & SOCIETY
- Ferreira MIA, Ventura R & Fletcher S. (2026). Preface. Studies in Computational Intelligence, 1238
- Oostveen A-M, Eimontaite I & Fletcher S. (2025). Human factors in digital manufacturing technology adoption: a workforce perspective. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 140(11-12)
- Story M, Webb P, Fletcher SR, Tang G, Jaksic C, .... (2022). Do speed and proximity affect human-robot collaboration with an industrial robot arm?. International Journal of Social Robotics, 14(4)
- Ariansyah D, Erkoyuncu JA, Eimontaite I, Johnson T, Oostveen A-M, .... (2021). A head mounted augmented reality design practice for maintenance assembly: toward meeting perceptual and cognitive needs of AR users. Applied Ergonomics, 98(January)
- Story M, Jaksic C, Fletcher SR, Webb P, Tang G, .... (2021). Evaluating the use of human aware navigation in industrial robot arms. Paladyn, Journal of Behavioral Robotics, 12(1)
- Ibarguren A, Eimontaite I, Outón JL & Fletcher S. (2020). Dual arm co-manipulation architecture with enhanced human–robot communication for large part manipulation. Sensors, 20(21)
- Fletcher SR, Johnson TL, Adlon T, Larreina J, Casla P, .... (2019). Adaptive automation assembly: Identifying system requirements for technical efficiency and worker satisfaction. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 139
- Johnson TL, Fletcher SR, Baker W & Charles R. (2018). How and why we need to capture tacit knowledge in manufacturing: Case studies of visual inspection. Applied Ergonomics, 74
- Charalambous G, Fletcher SR & Webb P. (2017). The development of a Human Factors Readiness Level tool for implementing industrial human-robot collaboration. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 91(5-8)
- Fletcher SR, Johnson TL & Thrower J. (2016). A study to trial the use of inertial non-optical motion capture for ergonomic analysis of manufacturing work. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 232(1)
- Charalambous G, Fletcher S & Webb P. (2016). The Development of a Scale to Evaluate Trust in Industrial Human-robot Collaboration. International Journal of Social Robotics, 8(2)
- Charalambous G, Fletcher S & Webb P. (2015). Identifying the key organisational human factors for introducing human-robot collaboration in industry: an exploratory study. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 81(9-12)
- Everitt J, Fletcher SR & Caird-Daley A. (2015). Task analysis of discrete and continuous skills: a dual methodology approach to human skills capture for automation. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 16(5)
- Lockett H, Fletcher S & Luquet N. (2014). Applying Design for Assembly Principles in Computer Aided Design to Make Small Changes that Improve the Efficiency of Manual Aircraft Systems Installations. SAE International Journal of Aerospace, 07(2)
- Baines T, Lightfoot H, Smart P & Fletcher S. (2013). Servitization of manufacture. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 24(4)
- Tiewtrakul T & Fletcher SR. (2010). The challenge of regional accents for aviation English language proficiency standards: A study of difficulties in understanding in air traffic control–pilot communications. Ergonomics, 53(2)
- Fletcher SR, Baines TS & Harrison DK. (2008). An investigation of production workers’ performance variations and the potential impact of attitudes. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 35(11-12)
Conference Papers
- Oostveen A-M, Zhang J & Fletcher S. (2026). (Em)Powering the end of power: HRI for safe nuclear decommissioning
- Zhang J, Bathaeijavareshk M & Fletcher S. (2025). Exploring Operator Requirements for Human-Robot Collaboration in A Composite Lay-Up Process
- Bathaeijavareshk M, Eimontaite I, Fletcher S & Koufokotsios N. (2025). Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Ethical AI-Enabled Human-Robot Interaction in Manufacturing
- Sashidharan V, Fletcher S, Sagasti Mota D, Ibañez E, Dimitropoulos N, .... (2025). End-user engagement in developing Virtual Reality Training systems for Industry 5.0
- Sashidharan V, Eimontaite I & Fletcher S. (2025). Assessing the skills gap for industrial operators in industry 5.0
- Javareshk MB, Kołcon T, Eimontaite I, Fletcher S, Bartkiewicz J, .... (2025). AI, human robot collaboration, and microrobotics for sustainable semiconductor manufacturing
- Koukas S, Broechler R, Haninger K, Gautam M, Ubis F, .... (2024). Software Architecture and Human-Centric design methodology in Human-Robot collaborative production systems
- Godhania S, Eimontaite I & Fletcher S. (2024). Physiological and Eye Tracking determinants as markers of Skill Acquisition in Manual Inspection
- Sashidharan V, Eimontaite I, Fletcher S, Arpa A, Mazzon A, .... (2024). Collaboration and Co-creation in Industry 5.0: User-engagement with industrial operators through co-creation workshops
- Eimontaite I, Fletcher S, Goławski K & Kołcon T. (2023). Breaking the barriers: multilingual user engagement to increase process engagement and technology acceptance in manufacturing
- Lee H-I, Lee S, Shin H-S, Tsourdos A & Fletcher S. (2023). Human Factor Analysis in Robotic and Autonomous Systems for Military Applications
- Fletcher S, Eimontaite I, Webb P & Lohse N. (2022). “We don’t need ergonomics anymore, we need psychology!” – The human analysis needed for human-robot collaboration
- Eimontaite I, Fletcher SR, Rizzi A, Minissale A & Abba FF. (2022). Exoskeleton-Enhanced Manufacturing; A Study Exploring Psychological and Physical Effects on Assembly Operators' Wellbeing
- Eimontaite I, Fletcher SR, Rizzi A, Minissale A & Abba FF. (2022). Exoskeleton-Enhanced Manufacturing; A Study Exploring Psychological and Physical Effects on Assembly Operators' Wellbeing
- Eimontaite I, Togias T, Fletcher S & Dimitropoulos N. (2022). User guided augmented reality manufacturing assembly instruction development: Changing work modes during COVID -19 and its implications
- Wood Z, Godsiff P & Fletcher S. (2022). Servitization: insights from applied ontology
- Johnson TL, Fletcher SR & Kutka R. (2019). Understanding how proximity to a robot affects perceived workload
- Fletcher SR, Johnson TL & Larreina J. (2017). Putting people and robots together in manufacturing: are we ready?
- Fletcher SR, Webb P & Charalambous G. (2016). Development of a human factors roadmap for the successful implementation of industrial human-robot collaboration
- Johnson TL, Fletcher SR & Webb P. (2016). Investigating the effects of signal light position on human workload and reaction time in human-robot collaboration tasks
- Johnson TL & Fletcher SR. (2015). The limitations of using only CAD and DHM in design relating to high value manufacturing
- Everitt J & Fletcher SR. (2015). The case for the development of novel human skills capture methodologies
- Charles R, Charalambous G & Fletcher SR. (2015). Your new colleague is a robot. Is that ok?
- Charles R, Tailor M & Fletcher SR. (2015). Search strategies in human visual inspection
- Charles R, Johnson TL & Fletcher SR. (2015). The use of job aids for visual inspection in manufacturing and maintenance
- Tang G, Charalambous G, Webb P & Fletcher S. (2014). Users’ understanding of industrial robot gesture motions and effects on trust
- Fletcher S & Johnson T. (2014). Investigating the impact of product orientation on musculoskeletal risk in aerospace manufacturing
- Johnson T & Fletcher S. (2014). A computer software method for ergonomic analysis utilising non-optical motion capture
- Caird-Daley A, Fletcher SR & Baker W. (2013). Automating Human Skills: Preliminary Development of a Human Factors Methodology to Capture Tacit Cognitive Skills
- Charalambous G, Fletcher S & Webb P. (2013). Human-automation collaboration in manufacturing: Identifying key implementation factors
- Walton M, Fletcher SR & Webb P. (2012). Developing true cooperation between human operators and robots in assembly work systems: a proxemic study
- Romero-Albarracin M & Fletcher SR. (2012). An exploratory study to identify impacts of confined space working in modern manufacturing
- Sotiriadis PC & Fletcher SR. (2010). The impact of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) on the performance of UK firefighters
- Baines TS, Asch R, Hadfield L, Mason JP, Fletcher S, .... (2005). Towards a theoretical framework for human performance modelling within manufacturing systems design
- Fletcher SR, Baines TS, Asch RE & Ladbrook J. (2003). Understanding the impact of workers to improve manufacturing system design capabilities
- Mason JP, Fletcher S, Baines T & Ladbrook J. (2001). Physical environment - a challenge to the extension of simulation capabilities
- Fletcher S, Mason JP, Baines T, Asch R & Ladbrook J. (2001). Understanding the impact of human variability in the manufacturing system
- Callari T, Oostveen A-M, Hubbard E-M, Fletcher S & Lohse N. Where are we at? A review of the advances in the ethical aspects of human-robot collaboration
- Fletcher S, Oostveen A-M, Chippendale P, Ciceiro M & SMITH BALLESTER L. Developing Unmanned Aerial Robotics to Support Wild Berry Harvesting in Finland: Human Factors, Standards and Ethics
Books
- Javareshk MB, Eimontaite I & Fletcher S. (2026). Integrating human-centred design in AI-based automation in manufacturing: ethical challenges and findings from participatory design operator workshops In Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (1556). Springer.
- Burns C, Fletcher S, Papavasileiou A, Anastasiou T, Michalos G, .... (2025). Exploring Usability And User-experience Metrics With A Novel AR App In The MASTERLY Project In Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics International (199). AHFE International.
- Callari TC, Oostveen AM, Hubbard EM, Fletcher S & Lohse N. (2023). Where Are We At? A Review of the State-of-the-Art of the Ethical Considerations in Human-Robot Collaboration In Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics International (80).
- Ferreira MIA & Fletcher SR. (2022). Preface
- Charalambous G & Fletcher SR. (2021). Trust in industrial human-robot collaboration In Aldinhas Ferreira MI & Fletcher SR (eds), The 21st Century Industrial Robot: When Tools Become Collaborators (81). Springer.
- Charalambous G & Fletcher SR. (2021). Trust in industrial human–robot collaboration In Intelligent Systems, Control and Automation: Science and Engineering (81). Springer.
- Fletcher S & Webb P. (2020). Unsettled Issues on Human-Robot Collaboration and Automation in Aerospace Manufacturing
- Fletcher S, Teegan J & Larreina J. (2019). Chapter 12: Putting people and robots together in manufacturing: are we ready? In Ferreira MIA, Sequeira JS, Virk GS & al E (eds), Robotics and Well-Being. Springer.
- Mgbemena C, Oyekan J, Hutabarat W, Fletcher S, Yuchun X, .... (2018). Optimum Kinect Setup for Real-Time Ergonomic Risk Assessment on the Shop Floor In Charles R & Wilkinson J (eds), Contemporary Ergonomics and Human Factors 2017, 265-272..
- Mgbemena C, Oyekan J, Hutabarat W, Fletcher S, Yuchun X, .... (2018). Optimum Kinect Setup for Real-Time Ergonomic Risk Assessment on the Shop Floor In Charles R & Wilkinson J (eds), Contemporary Ergonomics and Human Factors 2017, 265-272..
- Fletcher SR & Webb P. (2017). Industrial robot ethics: facing the challenges of human-robot collaboration in future manufacturing systems In Ferreira MIA, Sequeira JS, Tokhi MO, Kadar EE & Virk GS (eds), Intelligent Systems, Control and Automation: Science and Engineering (84). Springer.
- Johnson TL, Fletcher S & Webb PF. (2016). Investigating the effects of signal light position on human workload and reaction time in human-robot collaboration tasks In Schlick C & Trzcieliński S (eds), Advances in Ergonomics of Manufacturing: Managing the Enterprise of the Future: Proceedings of the AHFE 2016 International Conference on Human Aspects of Advanced Manufacturing, July 27-31, 2016, Walt Disney World®, Florida, USA. Springer.
- Mgbemena CE, Oyekan J, Tiwari A, Xu Y, Fletcher SR, .... (2016). Gesture detection towards real-time ergonomic analysis for intelligent automation assistance In Schlick CM & Trzcieliński S (eds), Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing (490). Springer.
