Virtual proximity in the factory processes. Designing interfaces between industrial equipment and human operators

The paradigm of Industry 4.0 is increasingly permeating the way people work, live and interact with others. In the context of smart factories, industrial machines are increasingly intelligent and automated, but human oversight in the industrial processes remains crucial and requires highly skilled personnel executing quick and precise interventions on the production line. Nevertheless, communication with factory machines still relies hardly comprehensible codes on interfaces that follow the traditional Window-Icon-Menu-Pointer model. Through research based on surveys and field observations, this chapter aims to analyse the state of the art of human-machine interfaces, user behaviour and communication processes in a smart factory. Presenting a case study, this contribution offers a report on an experimental research project carried out through a design thinking approach applied in an Industry 4.0 environment. This chapter contributes to the ongoing discussion about the possible future of human-centric interfaces in the industrial workplace, as well as the role of user-centred design in building experiences that go beyond conventional screen-based interactions.