Intelligent Design of the Man–Machine Scene for a Sustainable Workplace

Dear Colleagues,

The accelerating rate of technological advancement is profoundly impacting the modern workplace, instigating a radical shift in how we work and interact within our professional environments. This shift encompasses the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and other advanced technologies that collectively shape the emerging paradigm of man–machine scenes. A 'man-machine scene' refers to an environment where humans and automated systems or machines interact, share tasks, and collaborate to achieve a common goal. The design of these scenes impacts not only productivity but also the well-being, safety, and health of workers, the adaptability of organizations, and their overall sustainability. This Special Issue focuses on these designs, seeking insights into how they can be made more intelligent, user-friendly, and efficient.

The Special Issue aims to bring together original research articles and reviews that focus on but are not limited to, innovative design strategies, empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, ergonomics, and other relevant sustainability issues. Through this Special Issue, we hope to stimulate a rich and multi-disciplinary dialogue, encourage further research, and promote innovative solutions that harmoniously integrate humans and machines in the workplace, leading toward sustainable future working environments. We believe that our collective insights will pave the way for more intelligent, humane, and sustainable man–machine interactions in workplaces around the globe.

This Special Issue publishes high-quality and peer-reviewed papers with a broad scope, including but not limited to artificial intelligence and machine learning, safety and health, well-being, aging workforce, technological adaptability, behavioural science, biomechanics, human factors and ergonomics, human–machine interaction, and virtual reality. Papers of any subject areas related to occupational safety and health are also welcome. The listed keywords suggest just a few of the many possibilities. Please consult the editor for further information.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Siu Shing Man
Dr. Alan H. S. Chan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• safety and health
• well-being
• aging workforce
• technological adaptability
• behavioral science
• exoskeletons
• human factors and ergonomics
• human–machine interaction
• virtual reality
• cyber-physical systems