This call aims to support the development of breakthrough augmentation technologies in manufacturing to empower workers at all levels and enhance human-machine collaboration. Projects should focus on creating human-centric solutions (e.g. using mechatronics, AI, photonics) that improve worker safety, well-being, inclusiveness, and adaptability in increasingly complex industrial environments. Proposals must consider diverse user needs (including gender, age, and ability), integrate insights from social sciences and humanities, and contribute to shaping the human-centered vision of Industry 5.0. A business case, exploitation strategy, and potentially validation through living labs are expected.

Expected Outcome:

Manufacturing industry should benefit from the following outcomes:

• Empower workers at all levels in factories, both individuals and teams, through breakthrough augmentation technologies embodying the next stage in human-machine interactions;
• Enhance, with the help of these technologies and related contributions from Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), the flexibility, inclusiveness, safety and well-being of workers in the industrial environment, leading to more attractive jobs in the EU, attracting and retaining talents from new generations (e.g. Generation Z);
• Foster the human-centric aspect of the Industry 5.0 model, through insights into how technology affects the working environment and the organisation, and into how technology can support the worker in their career (including the associated meaningful job profiles).