Human operator 4.0 performance models in the smart factory: A research framework

With the advances of new information and production technologies, the smart manufacturing era calls for a perfect symbiosis between workers and machines and for operational excellence towards a cognitive, smart factory. To accomplish this vision, the Operator 4.0 strives for meaningful physical and cognitive interactions with the cyberphysical production system (CPPS). The physical-cognitive interfacing with Industry 4.0 enabling technologies, the greater attention on human factors, an ageing workforce and an increased cognitive task load require the definition of new tools and approaches to model and assess human performance. An upgrade of current human performance models (HPMs) to meet the features of the Operator 4.0 is therefore essential in order to predict their expected performance. This paper investigates the new role assumed by operators in industrial 4.0 systems and points out the main elements to focus on in the development of Human Operator 4.0 Performance Models. The future challenge for researchers and practitioners is to develop a holistic “Operator 4.0 Virtual Entity” that integrates multi-sided aspects of the human performance and can be incorporated into the digital twin of the Smart Factory with the ultimate aim to predict future states of the manufacturing processes where the human component is still crucial.