Smart In-Process Inspection in Human–Cyber–Physical Manufacturing Systems: A Research Proposal on Human–Automation Symbiosis and Its Prospects

Abstract

This positioning paper explores integrating smart in-process inspection and human–automation symbiosis within human–cyber–physical manufacturing systems. As manufacturing environments evolve with increased automation and digitalization, the synergy between human operators and intelligent systems becomes vital for optimizing production performance. Human–automation symbiosis, a vision widely endorsed as the future of human–automation research, emphasizes closer partnership and mutually beneficial collaboration between human and automation agents. In addition, to maintain high product quality and enable the in-time feedback of process issues for advanced manufacturing, in-process inspection is an efficient strategy that manufacturers adopt. In this regard, this paper outlines a research framework combining smart in-process inspection and human–automation symbiosis, enabling real-time defect identification and process optimization with cognitive intelligence. Smart in-process inspection studies the effective automation of real-time inspection and defect mitigation using data-driven technologies and intelligent agents to foster adaptability in complex production environments. Concurrently, human–automation symbiosis focuses on achieving a symbiotic human–automation relationship through cognitive task allocation and behavioral nudges to enhance human–automation collaboration. It promotes a human-centered manufacturing paradigm by integrating the studies in advanced manufacturing systems, cognitive engineering, and human–automation interaction. This paper examines critical technical challenges, including defect inspection and mitigation, human cognition modeling for adaptive task allocation, and manufacturing nudging design and personalization. A research roadmap detailing the technical solutions to these challenges is proposed.