Towards a novel model-based multi-disciplinary design approach for human cyber-physical systems

Abstract

In recent years, a transition from the automation-centric Industry 4.0 to a more human-centered Industry 5.0 emerged. Going beyond the efficiency and productivity achieved with Industry 4.0, respect for human values and contribution to society’s vital needs came in the spotlight. Human-Cyber-Physical Systems (HCPSs) and their development are expected to provide features such as collaborative intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. Such features may be obtained by leveraging the consideration of the human (user/operator) early on in the design process and the use of capabilities such as integration, intelligence, and collaboration. This paper raises the question of how to adapt current processes and tools to address the design, human in the loop integration, and multidisciplinary assessment of increasingly complex systems of systems with human and automation in the loop that characterise today’s industrial context. The discussed novel approach should facilitate and support the design of HCPSs with the objective of promoting a better integration of Systems of Systems (SoS), automation and human parts of such HCPSs from the earliest design phases. The approach is briefly showcased with an industrial case-study.