The digital transformation of the handling and processing industry is reshaping how production systems operate and how people work. The integration of flexible robots, artificial intelligence, and data-driven technologies is creating smarter, more autonomous, and more efficient industrial environments. However, this transformation is not only technological—it is fundamentally human.
To fully benefit from digitalisation, organisations must ensure that workers are prepared, supported, and empowered to adapt to evolving roles and responsibilities. New technologies require new competencies, new approaches to collaboration between humans and machines, and new strategies to build trust, safety, and acceptance in the workplace.
This course explores how workforce development plays a critical role in enabling successful and sustainable digital transformation. It focuses on the human, organisational, and strategic dimensions of integrating robotics and AI in industrial environments.
The course is structured into three lessons:
-
Human Resources Roles and Skills in the Digital Handling-Processing Industry
This lesson examines how Human Resources supports digital transformation by managing organisational change, identifying skill gaps, and developing the competencies needed for the future workforce. -
Bridging the Skills Gap: Preparing the Workforce for the Integration of Flexible Robots and AI
This lesson explores how job roles are evolving, the new skills required in AI-driven environments, and how organisations can ensure safe, ethical, and effective adoption of advanced technologies. -
Communication and Engagement for Enhancing Trust and Acceptance of Integrating Flexible Robots and AI
This lesson focuses on the importance of communication, engagement, and human-centred change management in building trust, reducing resistance, and supporting successful technology adoption.
By the end of this course, you will understand how organisations can align workforce development with technological innovation, ensuring that digital transformation strengthens both industrial performance and human well-being. This human-centred approach is essential for building resilient, safe, and sustainable manufacturing systems aligned with the vision of Industry 5.0.
Curriculum
- 3 Sections
- 3 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
- Human Resources Roles and Skills in the Digital Handling-Processing IndustryThis lesson explores the critical role of Human Resources in supporting digital transformation within the handling and processing industry. As robotics, automation, and AI reshape production environments, HR plays a key role in managing organisational change, identifying emerging skill needs, and preparing the workforce for new roles and responsibilities. You will learn how digitalisation is transforming job profiles, creating new competency requirements that combine technical, digital, and human-centred skills. The lesson also highlights strategies for effective change management, workforce engagement, and the design of targeted training programmes to support continuous learning and adaptation. By the end of this lesson, you will understand how HR can help bridge the gap between current and future workforce needs, ensuring a smooth, inclusive, and sustainable transition toward smart and automated industrial systems.2
- Bridging the Skills Gap: Preparing the Workforce for the Integration of Flexible Robots and AIThis lesson examines how the integration of flexible robots and AI is transforming industrial work environments and creating new skill requirements for the workforce. As automation takes on more complex tasks, workers must develop new technical, digital, and collaborative competencies to work safely and effectively alongside intelligent systems. You will explore the key trends shaping workforce transformation, the emerging skills needed for human-robot collaboration, and the importance of continuous training and skills assessment. The lesson also addresses safety considerations, organisational culture, and strategies to support workforce adaptation in AI-driven environments. By the end of this lesson, you will understand how organisations can prepare their workforce, bridge skills gaps, and ensure safe, responsible, and sustainable adoption of robotics and AI in modern industrial settings.2
- Communication and Engagement For enhancing Trust and Acceptance Of Integrating Flexible Robots and AIThis lesson focuses on the human and organisational dimensions of digital transformation, highlighting the importance of communication and engagement in supporting the successful integration of flexible robots and AI. The adoption of advanced technologies depends not only on technical readiness but also on building trust, understanding, and acceptance among workers. You will learn how effective communication, employee involvement, and transparent change management strategies can reduce resistance and foster a positive environment for technological adoption. The lesson also introduces key principles of human-centred design, engagement strategies, and communication techniques that support inclusion and collaboration. By the end of this lesson, you will understand how organisations can strengthen trust, empower employees, and ensure a smooth and human-centric transition toward AI-enabled and automated production systems.2
Instructor
