Towards Sustainable and Technology-Enabled Engineering Psychology in Production

Abstract

This paper explores the development of digital systems to identify and reduce cognitive stresses in contemporary manufacturing environments with increasing numbers of robots and smart machines. To achieve this, the study attempts to answer the following research question: How can technology-driven advancements in engineering psychology be leveraged to foster more productive, ethical, and psychologically supportive collaboration between humans and robots in the context of modern manufacturing environments? The study explores relevant literature to gain deeper insights into the subject succeeded by the development of a prototype composed of two digital solutions. By improving cognitive ergonomics through the detection and recognition of non-verbal cues, as well as reducing cognitive stress by providing real-time information on the positions of mobile robots, this study offers potential solutions to the social and psychological challenges of human-robot collaboration. The paper concludes with an analysis of the final prototype, a discussion on sustainability implications, and recommendations for future research. Overall, this research aims to bridge the gap between human workers and technology in the manufacturing sector, facilitating a harmonious and productive collaboration that aligns with the goals of Industry 5.0.