Collaborative robots in manufacturing and assembly systems: literature review and future research agenda

Abstract Nowadays, considering the constant changes in customers’ demands, manufacturing systems tend to move more and more towards customization while ensuring the expected reactivity. In addition, more attention is given to the human factors to, on the one hand, create opportunities for improving the work conditions such as safety and, on the other hand, reduce the risks brought by new technologies such as job cannibalization. Meanwhile, Industry 4.0 offers new ways to facilitate this change by enhancing human–machine interactions using Collaborative Robots (Cobots). Recent research studies have shown that cobots may bring numerous advantages to manufacturing systems, especially by improving their…