Reviewing human-robot collaboration in manufacturing: Opportunities and challenges in the context of industry 5.0

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has been characterized by the increasing use of automation, artificial intelligence, and big data in manufacturing. It has brought different machines, tools, robots and devices together through integration with cyber-physical systems as well as Internet of Things and computer systems. This has dramatically improved efficiency, productivity, and flexibility of automated systems, but it has also raised concerns about the impact of automation on jobs, the ethical considerations and the future of work in general. Industry 5.0 (I5.0) is the next manufacturing paradigm evolution and builds on I4.0 with the addition of ‘people’, in which robots will be designed to work alongside humans in a safe and efficient manner. Human-robot collaboration (HRC) is its key enabler. In manufacturing, HRC has the potential to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity by allowing humans to focus on tasks that require creativity, judgment, and flexibility, while robots perform more repetitive and dangerous tasks.

This paper explores the concept of HRC and its advancement within 21st century industry. It identifies the opportunities and challenges arising from the interactions between robots and humans in manufacturing applications, assembly, and inspection. It also highlights the significance of HRC in I4.0 and its potential in I5.0. In addition, the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, large language models, information modelling (ontologies) and new emerging digital technologies (augmented reality, virtual reality, digital twins, cyber-physical system) in the development of HRC and I5.0 is documented and discussed adding new perspectives to the growing literature in this area.

This investigation sheds light on the emerging paradigms that have come about as parts of I5.0 and the transformative role of human-robot interaction in shaping the future of manufacturing. This critical review provides a realistic picture of manufacturing automation and the benefits and weaknesses of current HRC systems. It presents a researched view on the concept, needs, enabling technologies and system frameworks of human-robot interaction in manufacturing, providing a practical vision and research agenda for future work in this area and its associated systems.