The human centered approach: improving collaboration in the Smart Factory

Industry 5.0 marks a new era in industrial transformation, with a focus on human-machine collaboration. While previous industrial revolutions focused mainly on automation and efficiency, Industry 5.0 aims to integrate human skills with advanced technological capabilities to create a more inclusive and productive working environment.

The Englab experimental platform, supported by the Région Grand Est, is a perfect illustration of this vision. It is designed to test and deploy advanced technologies such as automation, IIoT, cobotics, and virtual and augmented reality. These technologies aim to optimize operational and decision-making processes, while facilitating their deployment according to specific industrial needs. This article will focus on the human-centered approach and how it improves collaboration and performance in the Smart Factory.

The human-centered approach: a pillar of industry 5.0

The human-centered approach is essential to creating a working environment where human skills are valued and complemented by advanced technologies. At Englab, we have integrated this approach into our experimental production line by using AI in a principled way to develop tools that support and enhance operators' capabilities.

For example, our platform uses assembly assistance systems that provide real-time instructions to operators. These systems use a variety of approaches, such as human-machine interfaces (HMI), videoprotection, Pick2Light, and AI-based detection assistance. These tools make it possible to test the effectiveness of technologies in terms of operator qualifications, assembly difficulty and cognitive load. Operators can evacuate assembled products via an evacuation rail, where sensors and cameras detect product conformity and inform the cobot of its presence.

Improving collaboration and performance

Collaboration between humans and machines is at the heart of our approach. For example, cobots are used to transfer parts between different stations, manage scrap, and classify products via communication with the PLC. This collaboration relieves operators of repetitive tasks and improves ergonomics and cognitive load.

Another important aspect of our approach is the use of mixed reality for concept or process validation, autonomous maintenance protocols, production line supervision, visualization of technical documentation, and operator training. Mixed reality enables operators to better understand production line indicators and perform maintenance tasks autonomously.

Immersive technologies and cognitive assistance

Immersive technologies play a crucial role in improving operational and decision-making processes. At Englab, we use mixed reality to help operators understand production line indicators and maintenance tasks. Digitization and the projection of instructions in hologram form enable operators to carry out all processes autonomously, limiting errors and reducing travel.

We have also developed cognitive assistance systems for industrial assembly. These systems provide the right information, in the right place, at the right time, using context-aware technologies. This creates a safe and inclusive environment for people with cognitive disabilities, while helping employers to become more inclusive and socially responsible.

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The human-centered approach is essential to creating an inclusive and effective work environment. It allows us to value human skills while leveraging advanced technologies to improve collaboration and performance. In our next article, we'll look at automated inspection and quality control, and how they contribute to operational excellence.

To see these technologies in action, watch our Englab presentation video :