## 4 Results and Discussions
### Implementation Challenges
#### 4.4.3 Organizational and Human-Centric Resistance
Strategically, many organizations lack a clear roadmap for immersive safety technologies and are hesitant to invest due to high upfront costs and uncertain returns on investments. As a result, many initiatives remain in the pilot phase. Addressing these layered challenges requires a coordinated approach that combines affordable pilot projects, targeted workforce training, and strong leadership commitment to drive digital transformation in safety practices. To overcome these adoption challenges and barriers, especially for SMEs with limited resources, budgets, and investment challenges, several affordable strategies can be used. For instance, cloud-based DTs eliminate the need for expensive on-site systems by offering scalable simulations through flexible, subscription-based access. Similarly, simple lightweight XR tools, such as AR on smartphones or tablets, provide immersive experiences without costly headsets. These are particularly effective for AR-based training and work instruction overlays. Furthermore, open-source platforms such as Unity and Unreal Engine allow flexible, low-cost development, making it easier and cheaper to build customized virtual training environments or monitoring tools without the need to pay licensing fees. This is also supported by [74], whose use of wearable and wireless sensor nodes illustrates practical deployment scenarios of IoT for environmental monitoring that align with the goals of OHS. Low-cost solutions are attractive but can suffer from latency, limited processing power, and unstable communication. Finally, starting with small pilot projects  
Figure 14: Pyramid of implementation challenges in deploying immersive and digital technologies to enhance OHS in manufacturing. for single use cases like ergonomic risk assessment or VR safety training, that is, phased adoption strategies, also helps teams learn and build skills and confidence before scaling up. These approaches reduce financial and technical barriers, enabling organizations to explore the benefits of immersive technologies without facing overwhelming initial costs, while supporting the human-centered and adaptable goals of Industry 5.0. In summary, successfully navigating digital transformation in industrial systems requires a holistic approach that moves beyond purely technical solutions. Addressing the complex interplay of scalability and cost factors, cybersecurity threats, data management complexities, and profound organizational, cultural, and human-centric resistance is crucial for fostering a truly secure, efficient, and human-centered industrial future. Addressing these challenges requires not only technical solutions but also organizational change strategies and policy-level support for digital safety innovation. To conclude, the five RQs posed in this study are addressed across multiple technological domains, each linked to specific enabling technologies and supported by the synthesis in Section 4.1. RQ1 was examined through the application of DTs, IoT, and sensors, which enable real-time modeling of work environments and ergonomic risk assessment. RQ2 is addressed by exploring how the IM, along with immersive technologies such as VR and AR, supports immersive safety training and virtual collaboration. RQ3 focuses on the integration of DT, IM, IoT, AI, CPS, and COBOTS into a unified advanced digital ecosystem that enhances OHS outcomes using predictive intelligence. RQ4 highlights the benefits of immersive technologies in improving worker engagement and enabling real-time adaptation to dynamic environments. Lastly, RQ5 addresses the challenges associated with implementing these advanced systems, particularly those related to technological complexity, worker trust, and financial constraints. Together, these responses provide a comprehensive understanding of how emerging technologies can be strategically aligned to support intelligent, human-centric safety management in smart manufacturing and advance towards Industry 5.0.