European Data and Framework Analysis of Human-machine Interaction in Manufacturing 4.0: an Update

With the integration of robotics and advanced technologies in 4.0 manufacturing processes, it becomes essential to predict and prefigure a proper design of the human-machine/robot interaction, optimizing the communication and the interchange between users and technology in accordance with national and international occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations and compliance with ergonomic principles. Therefore, new technologies applied to workplaces create challenges and opportunities for user safety and health. This change generates new challenges that increase the cognitive overload of operators who must acquire new skills. The identification of risks through reactive monitoring is a currently common approach in the industrial scenario, and the possibilities offered by the introduction of new "augmented security" technologies, which enable real-time data exchanges, can contribute to improve work activities. In this context, the importance of integrating the analysis and assessment of operators' psycho-physical states into task definition and work environment design emerges. The paper reviews literature and databases to provide an overview of workplace accident statistics and examines updated national and international safety regulations. It aims to design a framework identifying key priorities and actions to improve worker health and safety. This includes establishing main requirements, safe operating standards, and best practices for designing effective human-robot interactions, considering physical, functional, and perceptual aspects.