Strategic Action Line LI3: Factories for Humans

The objective of this chapter is to describe the strategic action line related to the factories for humans (LI3). In particular, this chapter proposes research and innovation priorities aimed at designing and developing new solutions to enhance the role of human resources and their skills, and contribute to their satisfaction and wellbeing; research and experimentation of new technologies for reducing physical exertion, cooperation with advanced support systems, with collaborative robots and with AI-powered technologies; mapping of knowledge generated on the job, especially implicit knowledge, in a way that is compatible with privacy requirements, introducing advantages both on the human wellbeing front—whether the individuals are users, operators or managers—and in terms of business strategies and procedures. In this regard, innovative factories will need to be increasingly inclusive, strongly geared towards the engagement and participation of individuals (users, operators and managers). These models must take a human-centric approach to look into/investigate new technologies and all the dimensions through which the new factory is defined.