“The industrial worker will not disappear but will have a completely different, much more advanced role. The greatest challenge is the up-skilling and re-skilling needed for workers to be able to use this technology,” says Niclas Björsell.
Re-skillling workers
Digitization is key in the process to achieve the sustainability goals. Measurement and control can reduce the environmental impact, and here human resources will be crucial.
“Replacing existing workers with, say, young computer engineers would not work at all. As process knowledge is necessary, you have to re-skill your workers, and professional development is the solution to this dilemma.”
Built into the new technology, there are various aids that will reduce the thresholds. AR glasses, for example, can provide extra information. Exoskeletons, in turn, can add strength when needed, while computers can be used to run new equipment in a simulated environment. We can also work with robots.
“Previously, technology was at the center. Now, technology will instead support people and such aids will facilitate the necessary knowledge transformation.”
“At University of Gävle, we are already there”
The EU has listed emerging technologies that pave the way for Industry 5.0 and University of Gävle currently conducts both teaching and research in most of these technologies.
“In addition, we have begun focusing on lifelong learning and course development in a number of relevant subjects. At University of Gävle, we are already there.”
Professional development within automation
“In many industries, there are skill shortages, and young people want their jobs to be meaningful, they want to contribute to the world. This development is beneficial for sustainability, and we should not be so terribly worried about the jobs, they will still be there,” Niclas Björsell says.