From Visualization to Transformation: Immersive Technology in Manufacturing Towards Industry 5.0

Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Extended Reality (XR) are important in the shift toward Industry 5.0. This transition focuses on human-centered and sustainable manufacturing. This study performs a bibliometric analysis to outline global research trends, collaboration networks, and the development of themes related to the use of immersive technology in manufacturing from 2015 to 2025. The research team gathered data from the Scopus database using specific query parameters and analyzed it with VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. The results show a steady rise in academic publications, with a notable increase after 2020. This growth is driven by digital transformation and the increasing use of digital twin systems. Three main thematic areas emerged: (1) digital twin-driven smart manufacturing, (2) Industry 5.0 and human-machine collaboration, and (3) sustainability and green transformation. Key figures in the field include authors like Marco Macchi, and significant publications like Procedia CIRP play a major role. South Korea stands out as a leading contributor in research output and citations. The findings indicate that research on immersive technology is moving from entertainment to industrial uses that improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This paper offers useful insights for academics, industries, and policymakers to boost innovation strategies and ensure that the implementation of immersive technology supports sustainable digital manufacturing goals.