What does the shift from Industry 4.0 to 5.0 mean for the future of manufacturing in Bangladesh, and why should it matter to the students at the University of Bangladesh? Dr. Akhlaqur Rahman, an EIT Industrial Automation Lecturer, led a webinar to explore this exciting transition and how human-machine collaboration is set to shape the country’s industrial future. Read on to discover the key insights from his session.
Motivation Behind the Topic: Addressing Industry’s Evolving Needs
On January 17, 2025, Dr. Akhlaqur Rahman, the Academic Course Coordinator and Lecturer for the School of Industrial Automation at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), conducted a highly informative webinar for the faculty and students of the Canadian University of Bangladesh.
The session, attended by approximately 50 participants, was titled Transitioning from Industry 4.0 to 5.0: A Manufacturing Perspective. It explored how the evolving relationship between humans and machines will impact Bangladesh’s growing manufacturing industry and provided a glimpse into the future of industrial operations.
Dr. Rahman’s insights were particularly timely, as Industry 5.0 is set to become a crucial force driving global industrial growth in the near future.
“I chose the topic ‘Transitioning from Industry 4.0 to 5.0’ to explore how emerging technologies are on the verge of reshaping industries worldwide by integrating advanced automation with a renewed focus on human-centric innovation.”
The future of industrial growth, according to Dr. Rahman, is rooted in collaboration between humans and machines, fostering an environment where technology amplifies human potential rather than replacing it.
Dr. Rahman went on to elaborate on how this shift aligns with his own research interests, specifically in sustainable digital transformation. He emphasized that Industry 5.0 moves beyond simply enhancing automation; it seeks to combine technology with human creativity, decision-making, and values.
In his view, this shift is not just about technological advancements but also about creating systems that are not only efficient but also ethical and environmentally responsible.
For Bangladesh, where rapid innovation and development are occurring, this shift provides a unique opportunity to create resilient, value-driven systems that can address both global and local challenges.
Benefits for Bangladesh’s Manufacturing Sector
A major focal point of the webinar was the concept of human-machine collaboration in Industry 5.0. He acknowledged that while Industry 5.0 is still emerging, the principles behind it are already applicable to certain aspects of Industry 4.0.
According to Dr. Rahman, both Industry 4.0 and 5.0 will likely overlap in their implementation in Bangladesh. He shared, “In the case of Industry 5.0, the human-machine collaboration would emphasize combining advanced automation with human creativity and decision-making, something that can co-exist with the evolving industry 4.0 implementation in Bangladesh”
This collaborative approach, he explained, has the potential to significantly benefit Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector. By merging the strengths of machines—such as precision, speed, and reliability—with human creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, the country can enhance operational efficiency and unlock new opportunities for innovation.
Dr. Rahman highlighted that human-machine collaboration can lead to more sustainable production systems, as it enables manufacturers to make smarter decisions about resource use and environmental impact. Additionally, it can improve product quality, increase customization, and enable greater flexibility in manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, this approach supports the upskilling of the workforce, which is critical for Bangladesh as the country continues to scale its manufacturing capabilities. Dr. Rahman stressed that preparing workers/engineers for these changes is essential, as it will help them adapt to new technologies and stay relevant in an evolving job market.
He also mentioned that Industry 5.0 focuses on fostering a collaborative, human-centered environment, which aligns with global trends prioritizing ethical practices, worker well-being, and environmental consciousness.
The Importance of Preparing Engineers for Industry 5.0
The rapidly growing manufacturing sector in Bangladesh presents both challenges and opportunities. Dr. Rahman believes it is crucial for local engineers and manufacturers to prepare for the shift from Industry 4.0 to 5.0 to remain competitive. He remarked, “Embracing the shift to Industry 5.0 is essential for driving innovation and staying competitive in Bangladesh’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector.”
He noted that engineers and manufacturers who understand the core principles of Industry 4.0/5.0 can leverage emerging technologies to create more efficient, flexible, and sustainable production systems. The ability to integrate automation with human creativity and ethical practices will help Bangladesh’s manufacturing industry not only stay competitive globally but also become a leader in responsible industrial development.
Dr. Rahman pointed out that Industry 5.0 offers the potential for Bangladesh to transition from traditional manufacturing models to cutting-edge, sustainable systems that can adapt to future challenges, such as resource constraints and climate change.
However, transitioning to Industry 5.0 (even adopting some existing Industry 4.0 technologies) in Bangladesh is not without its challenges.
Dr. Rahman highlighted several obstacles that manufacturers may face as they adapt to this new paradigm. One of the key challenges is the need for extensive workforce training and upskilling. He emphasized the importance of investing in training programs to foster a culture of continuous learning. He also suggested that manufacturers could overcome these hurdles by promoting partnerships with global technology providers, which would help them access advanced tools and knowledge. Especially, sectors like agriculture, textile, power, logistics etc. can gain a lot of benefits from this drive towards digitalization.
Additionally, he mentioned that leveraging government incentives and funding programs could alleviate financial constraints. Upgrading digital infrastructure to support seamless human-machine collaboration is also a critical step in overcoming the challenges associated with the transition to Industry 5.0.
The Role of Educational Institutions in Preparing Future Engineers
In his final comments, Dr. Rahman focused on the critical role of educational institutions in preparing future engineers for the demands of Industry 5.0. He emphasized that universities must provide students with the tools and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital and human-centered manufacturing environment.
He said, “Educational institutions play a vital role in shaping future-ready engineers to meet evolving industry demands.”
He proposed several ways that academic institutions in Bangladesh can facilitate this transition. He suggested updating curricula to include Industry 5.0 technologies, with an emphasis on both technical and creative skills. He also advocated for more hands-on learning, interdisciplinary research, and strong partnerships with industries to ensure that students are equipped to solve real-world challenges.
To prepare students for the future, Dr. Rahman recommended that tertiary institutions emphasize practical projects that promote creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of research initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry applications.
By aligning academic programs with the evolving demands of Industry 4.0/5.0, universities in Bangladesh can play a key role in equipping the next generation of engineers to drive the country’s manufacturing sector forward.
As Bangladesh continues to embrace industrial growth, the knowledge shared in this webinar will be vital in preparing the next generation of engineers to drive progress in the country’s manufacturing sector.
