Nikos Panopoulos

The blending of human and mechanical capabilities has become a reality in the realm of Industry 4.0. Enterprises are encouraged to design frameworks capable of harnessing the power of human and technological resources to enhance the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Over the past decade, AI technologies have transformed the competitive landscape, particularly during the pandemic. Consequently, the job market, at an international level, is transforming towards the integration of suitably skilled people in cutting edge technologies, emphasizing the need to focus on the upcoming super-smart society known as Society 5.0. The concept of a Humachine builds on the notion that humans and machines have a common future that capitalizes on the strengths of both humans and machines. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the capabilities and distinguishing characteristics of both humans and machines, laying the groundwork for improving human–machine interaction (HMI).

Blockchain can be realized as a distributed and decentralized database, also known as a “distributed ledger,” that is shared among the nodes of a computer network. Blockchain is a form of democratized and distributed database for storing information electronically in a digital format. Under the framework of Industry 4.0, the digitization and digitalization of manufacturing and production systems and networks have been focused, thus Big Data sets are a necessity for any manufacturing activity. Big Data sets are becoming a useful resource as well as a byproduct of the activities/processes taking place. However, there is an imminent risk of cyberattacks. The contribution of blockchain technology to intelligent manufacturing can be summarized as (i) data validity protection, (ii) inter- and intra-organizational communication organization, and (iii) efficiency improvement of manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the need for increased cybersecurity is magnified as the world is heading towards a super smart and intelligent societal model, also known as “Society 5.0,” and the industrial metaverse will become the new reality in manufacturing. Blockchain is a cutting-edge, secure information technology that promotes business and industrial innovation. However, blockchain technologies are bound by existing limitations regarding scalability, flexibility, and cybersecurity. Therefore, in this literature review, the implications of blockchain technology for addressing the emerging cybersecurity barriers toward safe and intelligent manufacturing in Industry 5.0 as a subset of Society 5.0 are presented.

Hybrid classrooms have become more and more common during the pandemic. Digital technologies have accelerated the transition into the university of the future. Digital Twins technology, one of the trending technologies related to Industry 4.0, helps faculty to create simulation models based on course requirements. Universities are still facing the challenging issue to offer high quality learning opportunities without risking participants’ health. Towards that end, the current study presents a Hybrid Model under the Teaching Factory framework concept that has been successfully implemented and validated. In four hybrid case studies, Engineering students guided remotely laboratory personnel towards a successful manufacture and assembly of a customized projects assignments as well as completed training webinars in the field of Maintenance and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). The results show that pedagogical dimensions were extended. Besides technology, innovative pedagogy, and learning environments, this study added two constructs: sustained support and cyber safety. Collaboration is required at different levels; meanwhile, cyber safety is highlighted to ensure healthy digital learning environments.

In the era of Industry 4.0, manufacturing and production systems were revolutionized by increasing operational efficiency and developing and implementing new business models, services, and products. Concretely, the milestone set for Industry 4.0 was to improve the sustainability and efficiency of production systems. By extension, the emphasis was focused on both the digitization and the digitalization of systems, providing room for further improvement. However, the current technological evolution is more system/machine-oriented, rather than human-oriented. Thus, several countries have begun orchestrating initiatives towards the design and development of the human-centric aspect of technologies, systems, and services, which has been coined as Industry 5.0. The impact of Industry 5.0 will extend to societal transformation, which eventually leads to the generation of a new society, the Society 5.0. The developments will be focused on the social and human-centric aspect of the tools and technologies introduced under the framework of Industry 4.0. Therefore, sustainability and human well-being will be at the heart of what comes next, the Industry 5.0, as a subset of Society 5.0. Industry 5.0 will build on the foundations laid during Industry 4.0 by emphasizing human-centered, resilient, and sustainable design. Consequently, the authors in this research work, through a critical literature review, aim to provide adequate reasoning for considering Industry 5.0 as a framework for enabling the coexistence of industry and emerging societal trends and needs. The contribution of this research work extends to the provision of a framework to facilitate the transition from Industry 4.0 to Society 5.0.