The advent of Industry 5.0 differs from earlier industrial revolutions – it does not simply center around a single technological advancement. Instead, it puts the focus back on humans. It’s been labeled by some as a human-centric complement to Industry 4.0, but as Andrea Masterton, VP of Marketing at Poka, Inc., explains, for the manufacturing industry, it’s much more than that. The advent of Industry 5.0 is not only crucial for its evolution, but it’s also overdue.

The impacts of Industry 4.0 and its younger sibling, Industry 5.0, fall right down to today’s factory workers. While embedded automation and optimization within the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 have the power to drive new efficiencies, they have also led to the introduction of more complex job roles and tasks, but for fewer frontline workers. The growing skills gap within the manufacturing industry is apparent, businesses need a digitally-connected worker approach to alleviate these growing pressures.

Tech Propels Frontline Workers Into the Digital Era

Current frontline manufacturing workers say 71% of their work tasks are still dull, dirty, or dangerous, according to an Ericsson report. Despite being in the midst of a new generation of manufacturing, there is still a need to empower workers and facilitate better cohesion on the shop floor to promote increased productivity, efficiency and safety. Enter the connected worker approach.

The connected worker approach holds the key to empowering the workforce of the future. Connected workers are equipped with software applications that provide access to the knowledge, skills and support needed to perform tasks safely and to standard.

This class of software applications and tools enables workers to seamlessly interface with equipment, processes, data and other employees in order to facilitate standard work, enhance communication, and improve operational efficiency from top floor to shop floor.

As manufacturing continues to evolve, building a connected frontline workforce is crucial in bridging the gap between traditional shop floor processes and the digital future. Connected workers are the linchpins of smart factories, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence through their ability to blend human ingenuity with technological efficiency.

Building the Foundations of Industry 5.0

This connected, human-centric approach will not only empower workers and address the evolving skills and training needs of employees, but also increase the competitiveness of the industry and help attract the best talents.

For the new workforce generation, it’s not about replacing humans with robots, but about creating a collaborative, productive partnership that includes using smarter devices. This may well involve working alongside robots and cobots to enable workers to collaborate, learn new skills, and share knowledge, with the result they work smarter, not harder. A more fulfilling job experience crushes the outdated negative perceptions of manufacturing work.

Taking advantage of this partnership will propel manufacturing into the future. The industry must move on from manufacturing work once deemed dull, dangerous and dirty to a shop floor promoting continual learning, development and collaboration. This is already having repercussions in manufacturing, where there is not just a skills shortage, but a definite labor shortage, by making these sorts of jobs “cool” for Gen Z, many of whom are disillusioned with further education and are looking for a rewarding and enjoyable lifestyle.

Empowered Workers Are Driven to “Win Every Shift”

Industry 5.0 addresses the broader need to connect and empower the people on the shop floor who operate the machinery.

During the great digital rush, manufacturers must still focus on connecting the human workforce to keep everything running smoothly. With adequate top-floor support, frontline workers can take on more responsibilities and feel a sense of accountability to “win every shift,” evolving from machine operators to managers of their responsibilities.

However, human-centric approaches and productivity are not mutually exclusive. In fact, Industry 5.0 is bringing them closer together than ever before. This connected human-centric approach not only empowers workers and addresses the evolving skills and training needs of employees, it also increases the competitiveness of industry and helps attract sought-after talents.

Evidence shows that well-skilled, engaged, empowered workers contribute positively to key manufacturing metrics, such as safety, productivity and quality.

A Sustainable Workforce Doesn’t Just Mean More Money – There’s Other Strategies, Too

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 37% turnover rate in manufacturing in 2023, driven by physically demanding work, safety concerns, lower wages, and limited workplace flexibility. Raising wages and flexible schedules can help, but strategies to empower frontline workers are also crucial.

Fostering an environment of continual learning and training brings huge benefits to both employers and employees. Skilled workers are safer, more productive, and more likely to stay in their organization when offered development opportunities. According to The Manufacturing Institute, 69% of workers under the age of 25 value training opportunities as a key reason for choosing and staying with an employer.

Connected workers benefit from a learning culture that provides access to training materials and skill development directly at the moment and place of need. This reduces reliance on shadowing and accelerates onboarding, making training more effective.

Put Resilience and Versatility at the Heart of Operations

A resilient workforce is one that adapts to change and challenge, while maintaining high levels of engagement and productivity.

Versatility is key to workforce resilience, and ensuring workers have the skills to adapt to new tasks and technologies is essential. Connected worker platforms with role-specific skills management functionality can help identify training gaps and set priorities.

A supportive workplace culture also contributes to resilience, and a factory where workers are valued and empowered to reskill and upskill fosters a positive working environment from the top floor to the shop floor. Adopting a connected worker approach can enhance this culture by prioritizing autonomy, collaboration, visibility and transparency.

Humans and Technology Work Together to Create the Perfect Synergy

It’s clear that technology is there to work alongside humans, providing support and help with mundane tasks, and enabling them to work faster, more efficiently, and collaboratively. It’s where a connected worker approach to training and Industry 4.0 technology create the perfect balance between human personalization and machine efficiency.