HERO5 – Human-centred work design, ergonomics and resilience in the age of Industry 5.0

Through the HERO5 project, we support SMEs in particular in designing workplaces that are human-centric, ergonomic and safe, in line with Industry 5.0 principles. To this end, relevant standards, guidelines, current trends and technological solutions are systematically analysed and presented in practical information materials. A compact quick-check enables companies to carry out an initial structured assessment of their workplace design, taking into account, amongst other things, the working environment, work equipment and physical and psychological stresses.

Another key focus is on assistive technologies such as exoskeletons: we are investigating their ergonomic potential for physically demanding tasks and designing a demonstrator for various assembly and lifting scenarios, in order to illustrate these working situations in a practical way. In addition, company visits, laboratory tours and demonstrations foster direct exchange with businesses in the fields of production and manufacturing, assembly and construction, as well as logistics. Through HERO5, we thus combine scientifically sound principles with concrete, immediately applicable approaches, making it easier – particularly for SMEs – to access human-centred Industry 5.0 solutions and to implement them step by step into operational practice.