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Industry 5.0 - Pivotal step towards redefining food mfg
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Thursday, 02 January, 2025, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Natasha Avelange
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The manufacturing sector is undergoing a transformative shift with the emergence of Industry 5.0—a framework that emphasises human-centricity, resilience, and sustainability. Defined by the European Union as a vision of industry that extends beyond efficiency and productivity, Industry 5.0 reinforces the role and contribution of industry to society. It reimagines production processes to prioritise worker wellbeing, leverage advanced technologies, and respect planetary boundaries, aligning industrial growth with societal and environmental goals.
Human-centric manufacturing
Labour shortages remain a critical challenge for manufacturers, with many industrial sectors struggling to recruit and retain talent. According toDeloitte, 62% of European manufacturers face such ongoing challenges, with this shortage predicted to continue well into 2030. Similarly, a Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institutereport suggests that US manufacturers may need as many as 3.8 million new workers by 2033, with approximately 1.9 million roles potentially remaining unfilled if current labour gaps persist.
With talent acquisition and retention challenges increasingly pronounced across manufacturing sectors, including food manufacturing, Industry 5.0 offers a transformative approach by focusing on inclusivity and engagement, blending human creativity with technology to foster collaboration and skill development. Industry 5.0 positions workers as key contributors rather than mere cogs in an automated system.
Advanced platforms like digital twins and extended reality (XR) technologies enable manufacturers to simulate production environments, facilitating stakeholder collaboration and project planning without the need for physical site visits. The immersive digital twin setup leverages spatial technology to facilitate the validation and integration of equipment into both new and existing food production lines.These tools empower employees with hands-on experience before equipment implementation, reducing errors and improving overall productivity. By integrating human-centric systems, manufacturers create an environment where workers play an integral role in driving innovation and operational success.
Building resilience in operations
The disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and global supply chain challenges have underscored the importance of operational resilience. The second dimension of Industry 5.0 promotes robust operations that can adapt to and withstand external disturbances while maintaining efficiency and minimising downtime. Additionally, resilience in Industry 5.0 involves the ability to anticipate and respond to challenges promptly.
Industry 5.0 solutions and digital simulations enable manufacturers to validate plant designs, anticipate potential issues, and reduce downtime. Real-time optimisation tools and predictive maintenance further enhance system reliability, helping operations remain steady in the face of external uncertainties. Such measures not only improve decision-making but also minimise unexpected costs and variations, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Sustainability at the core
Industry 5.0 also prioritises sustainability, focusing on reducing resource use and minimising environmental impact. Technologies like digital twins reduce the need for physical travel and on-site interventions, allowing teams to collaborate remotely via VR or other digital platforms. This approach aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by lowering emissions and conserving resources.
Future advancements in virtual training and aftermarket support will further enhance sustainability by reducing on-site visits and enabling remote problem-solving. These innovations support manufacturers in achieving their environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
The future of Industry 5.0 in food manufacturing
The integration of Industry 5.0 principles promises a more collaborative, efficient, and sustainable future for food manufacturing. Virtual training sessions, real-time remote support, and advanced digital tools will empower manufacturers to adapt quickly to changing market demands. By embracing these technologies, the industry can ensure long-term resilience and sustainability while fostering a human-centric approach to innovation.
Industry 5.0 represents a pivotal step towards redefining the food manufacturing landscape, offering solutions that balance productivity, human wellbeing, and environmental responsibility.
(The author is global extended reality manager, TNA Solutions)
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