Questions to be answered

Topics that will be addressed in this workshop are:

• What does human-cobot collaboration in industry 5.0 look like (i.e., practical use cases)?
• How can robots assist industrial work (and in other domains) to improve ergonomics, and compensate for physical changes based on age or disabilities?
• How does worker diversity (age, anatomical gender, body heights - anthropometry, disabilities) influence the work with robots, in terms of safety, interaction and efficiency?
• How can we design adaptive and inclusive workspaces that enhance productivity, safety, and well-being for a diverse workforce, while integrating collaborative automation?

Description

This dynamic workshop dives into the latest insights and initiatives regarding the impact of robotics on society, focusing explicitly on sustaining the balance between productivity gains and worker interests. It addresses designing inclusive human-robot collaborations, focusing on improving worker welfare, participation, and safety, preventing work-related illnesses, and supporting aging or disabled workers. Ethical implications, labor adaptation, and successful case studies of robot integration will also be discussed, highlighting challenges and best practices in creating socially sustainable, inclusive, and safe work environments. Finally, practical examples will be provided to enhance the acceptance of robotics across industries. Energetic talks and lively panel discussions are to be expected.

Organisation of the WS

• 00:00 - 00:10 General introduction of agenda and topic: to human-robot collaboration in industry5.0 - Dr. Gabriele Marchello, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy
• 00:10 - 00:40 Power pitches on diversity, acceptance, safety and ethics

Carlo Weidemann, Institute of Mechanism Theory, Machine Dynamics and Robotics (RWTH Aachen University), Germany

Dr. Milan Wolffgramm, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands

Clara Fischer, JOANNEUM RESEARCH ROBOTICS, Austria

Dr. Shirley A. Elprama - imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel - FARI - AI for the Common Good Institute, Belgium

• 00:40 - 01:15 Panel moderated by Agata Suwala, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), UK
• Panel members:

Dr. Cecilia Scoccia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, ilabs, Italy

Dr. Milan Wolffgramm, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands

Robin Kirschner, TU Munich, Germany

Alberto Landini, STAM, Italy

• 01:15 - 01:30 Wrap up - Dr. Gabriele Marchello, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy

Intended outcome

1. Uniting professionals to discuss cobot-related acceptance, inclusion, safety, and ethics in Industry 5.0.
2. Disseminating the latest insights and methods on cobots in Europe.
3. Laying the groundwork for new European project consortia.

Speakers, Panelists, etc

Speakers

• Carlo Weidemann, Institute of Mechanism Theory, Machine Dynamics and Robotics (RWTH Aachen University), Germany, https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-weidemann/
• Dr. Milan Wolffgramm, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands, https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanwolffgramm/
• Clara Fischer, JOANNEUM RESEARCH ROBOTICS, Austria, https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-fischer-831a9418a/
• Dr. Shirley Elprama - imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel - FARI - AI for the Common Good Institute, Belgium, https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleyelprama/

Panelists

• Dr. Cecilia Scoccia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, ilabs, Italy https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-scoccia-572939181/
• Dr. Milan Wolffgramm, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanwolffgramm/
• Dr. ir. Abeje Mersha, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands https://www.linkedin.com/in/abejeymersha/
• Alberto Landini, STAM, Italy https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-landini-864625a4/

Moderators

• Agata Suwala, MTC, Agata Suwała CEng | LinkedIn
• Dr. Gabriele Marchello, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy, https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriele-marchello-892b01a1/

Topic Groups and/or Innovation networks involved

Not applicable.

Projects involved

• Softmanbot: Advanced Robotic Technology for Handling Soft Materials in Manufacturing Sectors- https://softmanbot.eu/
• Masterly: niMble Artificial intelligence driven robotic SoluTions for Efficient and self-deteRmined handLing and assemblY operations - https://masterly-project.eu/
• RENEE: Flexible Remanufacturing Using AI and Advanced Robotics for Circular Value Chains in EU Industry - https://renee-project.eu/
• euRobin https://www.eurobin-project.eu/
• SAFEIVERSE: Integrating diversity and inclusion into the design of safe human-robot collaboration - Project of JOANNEUM RESEARCH ROBOTICS (Austria) - https://www.joanneum.at/robotics/en/projects/safeiverse/
• Bridges 5.0: Towards a Human-Centred, Sustainable and Resilient Economy, https://bridges5-0.eu/
• IIDEA - Inklusion und Integration durch Cobots auf dem ersten Arbeitsmarkt (translated from German: Inclusion and Integration through Cobots into first labor market) https://www.iidea.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/badhmp/

Further information

WS LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/10009247/

Organisers

• Dr. Shirley A. Elprama (imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , FARI, AI for the Common Good Institute), shirley.elprama@vub.be
• Dr. Milan Wolffgramm (Saxion University of Applied Sciences), m.r.wolffgramm@saxion.nl
• Clara Fischer (JOANNEUM RESEARCH ROBOTICS), clara.fischer@joanneum.at
• Dr. Gabriele Marchello (Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)), gabriele.marchello@iit.it
• Agata Suwala (MTC), agata.suwala@the-mtc.org
• Carlo Weidemann (Institute of Mechanism Theory, Machine Dynamics and Robotics (RWTH Aachen University)), weidemann@igmr.rwth-aachne.de