Effects of Industry 4.0 on Human Factors/Ergonomics Design in 21st Century

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution as known as Industry 4.0 becomes a big part of the digitized economy in the 21st century. Industry 4.0 considerably drives the entire supply chain through digital infrastructures and significantly changes work systems. There are many new jobs and work opportunities available for workers with different skill levels due to society and technological changes. Understanding user needs and new technologies is a key factor for the design and development of products and systems where human exists. It is to ensure that the operation and maintenance of such systems are compatible with human abilities and limitations. The purposes of this paper are to explore theoretical and empirical concepts of Industry 4.0 influencing the design of work systems and present factors affecting human factors/ergonomics design in terms of physical, cognitive and organizational perspectives.