Integrating Digital and Human Labor for Sustainable Production

Abstract

The proliferation of digital labor has occasioned some challenges and opportunities. Digital labor is an automated-driven service provided by robotic process automation systems. It is efficient in building, deploying, and managing robots and capable of emulating workers by interacting with other digital systems and software. Unethical use of digital labor poses a threat to workforce sustainability. Hence, there is a need for sustainable production systems in Industry 5.0, which necessitates the current demand for human-centric technological applications in various industries. The chapter explores plausible pathways for integrating digital and human labor in business operations using a narrative literature review approach and the abductive reasoning method. This chapter showcases the importance of designing technologies that enhance human capabilities, promote inclusivity, and mitigate potential adverse effects on workforce sustainability and employment generation. This chapter offers a set of principles for sustainable production systems in Industry 5.0.