## 4 Results and Discussions
### Emerging Digital Technologies
#### 4.1.7 Collaborative Robots  
COBOTS or HRC play a pivotal role in Industry 5.0 by enabling safe, adaptive, and ergonomic collaboration between humans and machines. Unlike traditional industrial robots, COBOTS are designed to work safely side-by-side with human operators, particularly in assembly, packaging, and quality control [6; 16; 17; 78]. They are particularly favored for assembly operations, assisting operators with complex tasks [41; 69]. Moreover, COBOTS support social sustainability by improving physical ergonomics while maintaining production efficiency [39]. Effective and safe HRC relies critically on the monitoring and real-time recognition of human emotional and physiological states [21]. Safety design is a key priority for improving the safety of HRC assembly, which can be achieved by utilizing DT [41]. DTs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of HRC. DTs use multi-dimensional models and fused data for the real-time control and optimization of physical processes, enabling new simulations and optimizations of HRC processes and strategies [46]. Safety is paramount in HRC, and DT-based simulations are key to proactively enhancing workplace safety by predicting and mitigating risks in real time, often prior to physical production [19; 41; 46]. This approach enhances cognitive functions and decision-making while addressing safety within a human-centered framework. DTs, combined with AI, XR, and advanced control techniques in Industry 5.0, improve HRC through real-time monitoring, intuitive interfaces, and adaptive control [6]. For instance, a DT model of the HRC environment can be integrated with VR for safety testing, using machine vision and deep learning to monitor human-robot distances and provide feedback via AR glasses for real-time adjustments [46]. Industrial COBOTS are vital for smart manufacturing because they boost output while maintaining safe work environments [58]. They offer a cost-effective solution for large industrial operations, such as plant maintenance, where full automation is impractical or too expensive [11]. COBOTS, equipped with advanced sensors and control methods, can independently perceive and analyze their surroundings and activities, ensuring safe human interaction while boosting productivity and product quality and preventing occupational health issues and injuries [53]. This is achieved through their ability to use visual data from cameras to understand their surroundings, make decisions, and react to changes [41]. Effective and safe HRC critically relies on the monitoring and real-time recognition of human emotional and physiological states. COBOTS also address ergonomic challenges by reducing physical strain, thereby improving workplace ergonomics, safety, quality, and productivity [24; 39]. The HRC physical scenario comprises three layers: physical entities layer (robots, humans, and environment), perception layer (devices for data collection), and network layer (for data transmission), with DT models implemented in a software-based virtual scenario using game engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, analyzing and optimizing the physical entities [46; 65]. Simulation software utilizes real-time data to model manufacturing systems, allowing engineers to virtually test, analyze, and optimize settings before implementing physical changes [52]. This enables the creation of a virtual production line with COBOTS by simplifying CAD models, animating them, and importing them into 3D engines to simulate the user interaction [25]. To conclude, COBOTS are designed to work safely alongside humans in shared workspaces, offering physical support and helping to reduce risks in industrial environments. COBOTS enhance collaborative ergonomics, safety, and operational efficiency through real-time sensing, adaptive behaviors, and virtual safety validation. Compared to traditional robots that operate in isolated zones, COBOTS are built to interact directly with people, that is, human-centricity, assisting with tasks that may be repetitive, heavy, or hazardous.