EMPOWR advances the vision of Industry 5.0 by placing workers at the centre of next-generation manufacturing.
The project develops a cognitive ecosystem that combines Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Digital Twins to improve worker safety, inclusivity, productivity and well-being in industrial environments.
At the core of EMPOWR is ALMA, the Adaptive Learning Manufacturing Assistant: a multimodal AI assistant designed to provide real-time, personalised support through natural interaction. ALMA will be complemented by an adaptive AR workbench, real-time defect detection, worker intention prediction and strain monitoring systems, all integrated through a standardised Digital Twin framework aligned with European industrial and data standards.
EMPOWR will validate its technologies in two industrial pilot environments: thermoplastic composite layup in aerospace manufacturing and smart automated PET preform production. Through Living Labs, workers, managers and stakeholders will participate in co-design, scenario building and iterative validation, ensuring that the technologies support real needs and are trusted by the people who use them.
EMPOWR aims to reduce defects and downtime, improve ergonomics and worker well-being, accelerate upskilling through adaptive training modules, and provide evidence for EU Industry 5.0 policies. Its results will help advanced manufacturing become safer, more resilient, more inclusive and more attractive for current and future generations of workers.
Who EMPOWR is Designed For
Industrial workers who need safer, clearer and more personalised assistance during complex tasks.
Manufacturing companies seeking productivity, quality, lower downtime and human-centric digital transformation.
Technology providers developing AI, AR, Digital Twin, sensing and human-machine interaction solutions.
Training organisations and vocational education providers preparing workers for Industry 5.0 environments.
Policy makers, standardisation bodies and labour stakeholders working on responsible AI, worker empowerment and industrial competitiveness.
The EMPOWR consortium brings together research organizations, universities, industrial pilot owners, human factors experts, AI and AR technology developers, manufacturing networks, training and dissemination partners from across Europe.
