Autonomous factories: beyond human supervision

Joanna Rosak-Szyrocka and Radoslaw Wolniak

Chapter 2 in Quality 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence, 2026, pp 26-40 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter reviews this increasing presence of humans within autonomous plants, set in the context of Quality 4.0. The conversation is initiated with the investigation of architectural models (e.g. CPS, AIMS, HCPS, digital twins and the Three Pillars framework) that embed predictive quality and resilience in smart manufacturing systems, discussing the emergence of a focus on continuous process monitoring and control, including the replacement of traditional end-of-line inspection by automated, AI-empowered, real-time quality processes. The chapter reflects on the evolution of human roles from machine operators and inspectors to value guardians, data interpreters, process architects, augmented operators and ethical curators. Real-life case studies from BMW, Intel and Bosch demonstrate how companies are combining AI/ML, digital twins, MES and IoT systems to improve predictive quality, waste and sustainability performance. The chapter ultimately argues that Quality 4.0 changes the definitions of human involvement, depicting workers as technology peers in charge not just of technical excellence but also standards alignment with organisational values, ESG principles and Industry 5.0's vision for a humanity-led world.

Keywords: Quality 4.0; Autonomous factories; Human role; Cyber-physical systems; Digital twins; Artificial intelligence; Value guardians; ESG; Industry 5.0; Lights-out factories (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035397068
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