HCI in the Manufacturing Industries

Industrial manufacturing is a highly relevant field of human work design. The main design feature is the division of work and functions, which enables specialization, the efficient use of machines, and automation that is conducive to productivity. However, the specialization of working machines also requires a target-oriented coordination of their specific functions. Here, industrial manufacturing faces rapidly changing and individualized demands of volatile customer markets. As part of the digital transformation, complex coordination tasks are being transferred to “cyber-physical systems”, which in turn are interconnected via the “internet of things”. Using artificial intelligence for continuous data processing is expected to enhance the adaptivity of the industrial manufacturing processes. At the same time, robots and digital controls are increasing the productivity of machinery. Despite increasing automation, relevant tasks remain with the working man; this requires an appropriate division of functions between humans and machines. Digital machine controls also require modes of interaction between humans and machines that are as intuitive, reliable and mutually reinforcing as possible.
This chapter is an introduction to advanced concepts of digital production as well as to basic manufacturing technologies. The reader learns how digitization can affect the human being’s work experience and what benefits and risks can be associated with the operational use of digital technologies. Proven design criteria for human-centered work design which contribute to improve human performance and motivation are highlighted, and their practical application to human–machine interactions is described. This contribution intends to inspire a well-balanced design of industrial manufacturing systems, taking into account the complementary design principles of rationalization and humanization.