Integrating environmental life cycle assessment in assistive technology selection for inclusive workstations : a novel multi-objective optimisation approach in industry 5.0

Abstract

Inclusive workstations embody human-centred design in manufacturing, the hallmark of Industry 5.0. Such workstations typically incorporate assistive technologies (ATs) that support understanding, training, assembly performance, and quality inspection for operators with various disabilities. That said, at present, ATs are normally only related to the social pillar of sustainability, with researchers typically overlooking the potential impacts of using ATs on environmental sustainability. This work contributes a novel approach that employs life cycle assessment (LCA) as a design-support tool to promote the cleaner engineering and sustainable selection of ATs without compromising on inclusivity on the manufacturing shopfloor. The outcomes of an LCA of nine different ATs, ranging from a collaborative robot to a projector, were integrated in a multi-objective optimisation (MOO) framework, to shortlist combinations of ATs that enhance physical, cognitive and sensory accessibility, whilst minimising adverse environmental impacts. From the resulting Pareto front, optimal (non-dominated) combinations of ATs were identified, providing up to 91% of the maximum normalised total accessibility. A 65% reduction in lifecycle environmental impacts was also achieved when compared to the maximum environmental impact, demonstrating the approach's capacity to inform cleaner engineering strategies in future assistive technology development. The proposed approach therefore serves as a design-feedback loop, enabling engineers to identify environmental ‘hotspots’ within AT devices and AT systems, and quantify how interventions at the design stage, may influence the Pareto-optimal combination in the age of Industry 5.0.