Wed, 12 July, 2023
TWI is one of a consortium of partners who have been working as part of the Up-Skill project, which aims to develop a better understanding of how business can benefit from improved human/machine interaction in the workplace.
Advances in automation, artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, real-time data processing, machine learning and more are revolutionising how we interact with the world around us. Yet, to really open up the advantages of Industry 5.0, there is a need to research and study how truly collaborative working environments can be created between humans and machines so that both are delivering to their strengths.
While machines are able to deliver consistent results on routine and repetitive tasks, humans are able to focus on decision-making, design, and problem-solving.
The skills of humans can be enhanced with the right application of artificial intelligence and robotics as manufacturing moves towards a more socially responsible, sustainable, personalised and customisable model.
To create this harmonious future working relationship between humans and machines, the Up-Skill project partners are conducting ethnographic case studies in different industrial and manufacturing environments, where ideas can be tested and developed.
The project team have just released a video, which you can see below, showing one such case study that took place at Ztift, in Eskilstuna, Sweden.
Ztift are contract manufacturers of high quality, bespoke parts covering everything from design to pre-production and through to (low volume) production.
As well as providing an insight into the Up-Skill project, this video demonstrates some of the difficulties in implementing new technologies alongside human skills and creativity:
You can find out more about Up-Skill project on the dedicated website, HERE, and also follow the project LinkedIn channel, HERE.
This work was funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee 101070666