Meaningful industrial work in hybrid human-technology-AI teams

The utilization of novel Industrial Metaverse technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality), emergence of physical and virtual, and demographic evolution reinforces the need to continuously improve the well-being of factory workers and the attractiveness and inclusiveness of manufacturing workplaces. It is time to react in Finland to Industrial Metaverse trend, for maintaining Finnish industries competitiveness and making manufacturing work more interesting and motivating for employees. Therefore, researching Industrial Metaverse opportunities and its meaning for Finnish industries is more than urgent and needed. We believe that, in order to attract skilled workforce, it is necessary to develop meaningful jobs that involve 1) pursuing a purpose, 2) social relationships, 3) exercising skills and self-development, 4) opportunities for self-esteem through recognition and 5) a high level of autonomy. Therefore, HiFive Vision statement is: “HiFive will design and create meaningful, enjoyable and productive hybrid industrial workplaces for tomorrow”. Research and development are carried out at human, technology, process and business levels and latest information from these will be used to systematically identify new business opportunities related to future factory floor operations and human centered industrial metaverse applications. HiFive learnings, demonstrations and coinnovation results could be widely utilized in Finnish industry. Not only through Konecranes Zero4 ecosystem, but with the collaboration networks our consortium members A-Insinöörit, Elomatic, ProVerse and Tasowheel have. Additionally, research partners VTT, Aalto and Jyväskylä University will ensure the high level academic study and results, they will disseminate and utilize results in national and global level and also in future collaborations.