Audience Opinion Piece

By Teno Boone, Sr. R&D Leader, Owens Corning

As manufacturers embrace automation to modernize operations, a new approach is emerging—one that places people at the center of innovation. Human-Centered Automation (HCA) is redefining how technology and talent intersect on the factory floor, not by replacing workers, but by enhancing their roles and experiences.

Rooted in the Socially Responsible Automation (SRA) framework, HCA is built on two core beliefs: that humans will and should remain essential to the future of work, and that automation and AI are tools to enrich—not replace—human lives. This philosophy challenges the traditional “lights-out” model of automation, which seeks to eliminate human involvement. Instead, HCA envisions a future where machines amplify human strengths and compensate for human limitations.

‍

‍
Unlike cost-focused automation, which prioritizes labor savings and raw material efficiency, HCA expands the value proposition. It includes flexibility, safety, quality, employee experience, and brand reputation. It also reduces technical risk and capital intensity by designing systems that integrate human capabilities from the outset.

A recent case study from a U.S.-based manufacturing facility illustrates this shift. In the initial phase of automation, the goal was to reduce production costs by eliminating a significant portion of the packaging workforce. The approach focused on automating nearly all tasks, leaving only the most complex ones to human operators. However, the technical challenges of fully automating certain processes led to a strategic pivot.

In the next phase, the team adopted a human-centered approach. Rather than removing people from the process, the new design deliberately integrated operators into the system. Tasks were divided based on comparative advantage: machines handled repetitive, heavy-lifting tasks, while humans focused on dexterous, variable work. This not only reduced capital costs and technical risk but also improved safety and ergonomics.

However, the transition revealed a critical insight: the nature of work had fundamentally changed. Previously, operators worked independently, each responsible for their own output. In the new system, success depended on operators functioning as a cohesive team—communicating, supporting one another, and coordinating efforts to keep the automated line running at peak efficiency. This shift required more than just technical training; it demanded a rethinking of how people interact with each other and with machines.

Human-Centered Automation must address multiple dimensions:

• Physical and Ergonomic Design: Reducing strain and injury through thoughtful layout and task allocation.

• Psychological Well-being:  
  -Cognitive Load and Transparency: Creating interfaces that are intuitive and provide clear feedback, reducing mental fatigue.
  - Interpersonal Collaboration: Supporting teamwork and communication in environments where human-machine interaction is the norm.

• Personhood and Inclusion: Designing systems that respect individual identity and promote inclusive participation.
  - Ensuring that work remains meaningful and that employees feel valued and empowered.

These dimensions are not abstract ideals—they are practical design principles that guide how automation should be implemented. With them in mind, manufacturers can take concrete steps to bring HCA to life:

1. Assess Automation Opportunities Thoughtfully: Identify tasks that are dull, dirty, or dangerous—ideal for automation—while preserving roles where human judgment and dexterity are essential.

2. Engage the Workforce: Involve frontline employees in the automation journey. Their insights are invaluable, and their buy-in is essential. Empower them through training, feedback loops, and roles as “automation champions.”

3. Design for Collaboration: Build systems that foster human-machine teamwork. Use intuitive interfaces and ensure that automation enhances, rather than disrupts, workflow cohesion.

4. Invest in Skills and Growth: Provide training not just in technical operation, but in soft skills like data interpretation and collaborative problem-solving. Tools like digital twins and VR can accelerate learning and confidence.

Human-Centered Automation is not a compromise—it’s a competitive advantage. It enables manufacturers to unlock greater flexibility, resilience, and innovation while reinforcing their commitment to safety and employee well-being. As the industry moves toward smarter factories, the most successful companies will be those that recognize automation not as a replacement for people, but as a platform to elevate them.