KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 21, 2026

According to the World Economic Forum, 86 percent of employers expect artificial intelligence and related technologies to transform their businesses by 2030. As new technologies become a larger part of the modern workplace, Kennesaw State University student Blessing Onyekachi is researching how working alongside them affects employees' mental health.

As part of 91ÇàÇà²Ý’s ,  architecture student Onyekachi is studying how workers adapt as automation becomes more common in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Her goal is to help organizations create healthier, more productive work environments by better understanding the relationship between people and technology.

She and her mentor, Assistant Professor of Construction Management Srijeet Halder, are developing a survey to measure workers' experiences, attitudes, and concerns about collaborating with robotic systems. The data will help researchers better understand how automation affects employees and identify ways organizations can improve training, communication and workplace support as robots become more common on the job.

"As automation continues to become a bigger part of our everyday lives, I wanted to understand how it affects the people working alongside it," Onyekachi said. "I think it's important that workers have solutions to protect their mental health so they can continue doing their jobs efficiently and effectively."

Onyekachi's interest in the topic began after realizing how quickly artificial intelligence and robotics were becoming part of everyday life. While robots once seemed like something confined to television and movies, she said their growing presence in real workplaces inspired her to learn more about their impact on employees.

"I didn't think it was a possibility," she said. "But after doing my own research, I realized how drastically it could affect workers, and I knew it was something I wanted to study."

Although automation can improve efficiency, Onyekachi said organizations must also consider how employees experience those changes. Introducing robots without preparing workers, she said, can create uncertainty that affects both confidence and performance.

"When a robot is introduced abruptly, there's a lot of unpredictability," Onyekachi said. "If workers understand how the robot functions and have time to become familiar with it, they'll be better prepared to work safely and confidently."

The project has also introduced Onyekachi to undergraduate research, something she said has become one of the most rewarding parts of her college experience.

"It's been really fun doing research," she said. "I get to learn so many things I never knew before and then explain them to other people. That gives me a real sense of joy and pride."

She credits Halder for creating an encouraging research environment and helping her navigate every stage of the project. Through Kennesaw State's research community, she has also gained exposure to networking opportunities, scholarships, and professional development resources that have strengthened her academic experience.

"Blessing has demonstrated a strong curiosity and commitment to this project, and her work has the potential to help organizations create workplaces where people and technology can thrive together," Halder said. " As robotics and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workforce, understanding the human side of automation is becoming increasingly important

For Onyekachi, the research is about more than technology. She hopes it encourages employers to recognize that protecting workers' mental health is just as important as adopting the latest innovations.

"Mental health is just as important as your physical health," she said. "People need to protect it because it affects every part of your life."

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo by Katherine Seghers

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.