Guided Robotic-human Orchestration with Wearables for manufacturing: Twin Transition Through Tactile Teaming

GROWT5 aims to develop the first multimodal and bidirectional wearable co-pilot system for physical and cognitive augmentation in advanced manufacturing, fostering a safer, adaptive, and worker-empowering production environment. The project addresses the transition toward safe human–robot factories by optimizing workflows, evaluating changes in working conditions, and strengthening trust in shared autonomy. Its platform is based on smart garments with textile-integrated, mass-customisable multielectrode arrays, capable of multimodal biosensing and electrotactile stimulation, and shared-control strategies with workers’ robotic counterparts. Combined with neuromusculoskeletal digital twins and AI-driven models, GROWT5 monitors psychophysiological states, predicts fatigue and posture risks, and detects cognitive strain to provide timely cognitive support and corrective tactile feedback. The integration of embedded sensing, wearable electronics, tactile feedback, and cloud-connected policy engines forms a closed-loop human–robot teaming system that is adaptive, trustworthy, and ergonomically optimized. A strong focus on human-centred design ensures that inclusiveness, workers’ empowerment and well-being, and ethical considerations are embedded throughout the development. GROWT5 contributes to the digital and green transitions in manufacturing by integrating sustainable materials, interoperable robotic interfaces, and human-centred design principles. GROWT5’s potential will be demonstrated in 3 emblematic European sectors: precision mechanics, packaging and logistics, and food processing, covering a spectrum from high-throughput to artisanal and flexible production contexts. By expanding both physical and cognitive workers’ capabilities, GROWT5 demonstrates for the first time how compact, ergonomic wearable augmentation can reduce strain, improve safety and efficiency, and create more attractive, sustainable, and worker-friendly workplaces in the factories of the future.