Human-Robot Collaboration in Manufacturing

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, robots collaborate with human workers in manufacturing; such robots are termed cobots. On the one hand, they reduce the incidence and severity of ergonomic injuries that can appear due to physical repetitive movements and, on the other hand, they may improve safety, quality, and productivity. Many manufacturers are introducing new robots into their human production lines that work together with humans, with setups based on different types of safety designs.

Moreover, provision of assistance to skilled workers is becoming crucial in work environments within manufacturing. Beyond ergonomic or safety issues, industrial companies are starting to consider new qualification needs and technical competences with regard to the operators. Decisions in the overall work processes are communicated to the operators to improve their information and skills. Hence, the most recent research activity in the field of human–robot collaboration in the context of manufacturing involves the consideration of cognitive and social dimensions through the development of assistant agents or advisor robots designed for increasing productivity and effective work organization.

This Special Issue focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of introducing robots collaborating with humans in manufacturing tasks. 

Prof. Dr. Cecilio Angulo
Guest Editor

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