Interactions between intelligent machines and digital personnel in the industrial production of industry 4.0 under the conditions of the cyber economy

Abstract

Purpose: This chapter considers the development of mechanisms for the interaction of intelligent machines and digital personnel in the industrial production process of Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: In order to evaluate the scale of potential interactions between intelligent machines and digital personnel, the author performs a structural, horizontal, and trend analysis of the current (2016–2018) and forecast (2019–2025) statistical data from the National Research University “Higher School of Economics” and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Findings: It is determined that interactions between intelligent machines and digital personnel in the industrial production processes of Industry 4.0 will be based upon the mechanism of labor division. Routine functions will be performed by intelligent machines; AI and controlled robots, manipulators (possibly also controlled also humans), unmanned transport vehicles (also controlled by humans), and digital devices that are connected to the Internet of Things; while managerial functions in the cyber economy will be performed by digital personnel; AI engineers, digital marketing specialists, digital production managers, digital innovators, digital production engineers, and digital quality assurance specialists. This will increase labor efficiency and provide a balance between intelligent machines and digital personnel. Originality/value: It is substantiated that due to the expected functional load of digital personnel and growth of demand for them in the industry of 2025 in the likelihood of social unrest due to mass unemployment of digital personnel is improbable. On the contrary, it is possible to expect growth in the quality of life of digital personnel who are involved in Industry 4.0.