Clarity around which industrial revolution we are in and what Industrial Revolution (IR) 5.0 really means is delivered by a paper that points out: “This evolution of industry is not just a technological change but a human-centred movement that concerns politicians, academics, practitioners, and society at large.”

It continues: “Unlike its predecessor, IR 4.0, which stressed automation and digitalization, IR 5.0 brings human values, empathy, and creativity back into focus, advocating for synergy between advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) and the unique capabilities of human workers.”

This paper, authored by Ihwan Ghazali, Tia Tanjung, Wan Hasrul Nizam Wan Mahmood and Safarudin Gazali Herawan and published by Elseveir, points out that IR 5.0 offers opportunities for technological improvement and sustainability, but it also faces barriers such as cost reduction, skills upgrading and cultural adjustment to change.

The paper, ‘Drivers and barriers to industrial revolution 5.0 readiness: A comprehensive review of key factors‘, is available for download.