Work

Industrial Metaverse: A proactive human-robot collaboration perspective

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience are becoming core values in modern manufacturing, with human–robot collaboration (HRC) in high demand for flexible automation. However, human–robotic swarms are typically designed to target one specific procedure and cannot fully share their autonomy . The Metaverse , characterized by socialized avatars in a virtual-physical fused world, holds the promise of Proactive HRC. In line with this evolutionary roadmap, this paper presents a futuristic perspective on the industrial Metaverse for Proactive HRC and identifies its six embodiments. A representative universe that supports online and offline human users/operators in the design, machining, and maintenance of aeroengine turbine blades is introduced to spark and accelerate future implementation of the industrial Metaverse for Proactive HRC. The current challenges and future opportunities of this paradigm are also highlighted. It is hoped that this work can attract further investigation and discussions, providing useful insights to both academic and industrial practitioners in smart manufacturing.

Source: Journal of Manufacturing Systems

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2024.08.003

Authors: Shufei Li, Hai-Long Xie, Pai Zheng, Lihui Wang

Institutions: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Nanyang Technological University, South China University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Robot Manipulation and Learning

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,600