# Mind, Machine, and Meaning: Cognitive Ergonomics and Adaptive Interfaces in the Age of Industry 5.0
## 3 Ergonomic Techniques in Human-Machine Interactions
### Modern Solutions for Improving Human-Machine Interactions
#### 3.3.2 Collaborative Robots and Human Assistance in Industry 5.0
Effective human-machine collaboration requires minimizing unnecessary cognitive effort while supporting the development of accurate mental representations of the system's behavior, capabilities, and intentions [112];  
- Resilience and role flexibility are fundamental to human-centric design, as they enable systems to adapt dynamically to unexpected changes, distribute tasks flexibly between human and machine agents, and maintain performance under varying conditions [113]. As highlighted by [PERSON] et al. (2018), such adaptive architectures help reduce cognitive load, support the formation of shared mental models, and increase the overall robustness and effectiveness of human-machine collaboration [113]. - Ethical and social concern: in human-centric system design become especially relevant when evaluating how the cognitive load influences users' decision-making. As highlighted in the study by [PERSON] et al. (2025), an increased cognitive effort significantly alters moral judgments, making individuals more likely to adopt utilitarian reasoning and prioritize collective over individual outcomes under mental strain [114]. This raises concerns about the fairness and reliability of decisions made in cognitively demanding human-machine interaction scenarios. Designers must therefore ensure that system architectures minimize unnecessary cognitive load and preserve users' ability to make ethically balanced decisions, avoiding unintended biases and safeguarding individual autonomy in collaborative settings [114]. Future Directions and Industry 5.0 Implications  
The future of cobots is closely linked to the maturation of adjacent technologies, which collectively shape the evolution of human-centric, intelligent, and adaptive industrial systems. - AI-driven Personalization: In the context of Industry 5.0, artificial intelligence is increasingly tailored to human needs, enabling cobots to learn from human behavior and dynamically adapt to operator preferences. This leads to more personalized \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Use Case** & **Industry** & **Description** \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Assembly Line Cobots} & \multirow{2}{*}{Automotive} & Cobots assist in part fitting and \\  & & inspection alongside human \\  & & workers [104]. \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Precision Welding} & \multirow{2}{*}{Aerospace} & Human–robot shared control ensures \\  & & accuracy and adaptability [105]. \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Warehouse Sorting} & \multirow{2}{*}{Logistics} & Cobots carry out repetitive lifting tasks \\  & & to reduce worker fatigue [106]. \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Human–AI Teams} & \multirow{2}{*}{Smart Factories} & Cognitive agents assist humans in \\  & & real-time decision-making [108]. \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 8: Applications of human–robot interactions. and inclusive human-robot collaboration, supporting worker well-being and task efficiency [115]. * Digital Twins: Digital twins, particularly those driven by AI, provide a synchronized virtual representation of physical processes. They enhance predictive maintenance, optimize performance, and allow immersive human-in-the-loop simulations, which are crucial for training and decision support in dynamic environments [116; 117]. * Augmented Reality (AR): AR technologies contribute to improved human-machine interactions by visualizing robot trajectories, task sequences, and real-time guidance. This transparency fosters trust, reduces cognitive load, and improves accuracy during collaborative operations [118]. * Edge Computing and 5G: The deployment of 5G networks and edge computing technologies enables ultra-low-latency and high-bandwidth communication between cobots and control systems. This infrastructure is essential for real-time decision-making and safe human-robot collaboration in smart factories [119; 120]. These advancements point to a future in which cobots are not only co-workers but intelligent companions in an Industry 5.0 ecosystem that prioritizes human agency, safety, and sustainability.