The impact of Industry 4.0 on work: A synthesis of the literature and reflection about the future

Industry 4.0 is a result of technological evolution and is intended to promote technological transformations in industry at different levels. The impact in human employment has been perceived as a major threat and is a matter of concern. Some authors argue that automation will bring unimaginable changes as soon as computers get more intelligence and as machines become able to perform complex tasks more efficiently than humans. However, technological progress is also pointed out as a stimulus for human-beings to develop the competencies that differentiate them from the machines. In this context, this study aims to explore the impacts of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies on work. The results of a comprehensive literature review provide an integrated perspective to identify and understand such impacts, analysing them in four categories: evolution of employment and creation of new jobs, human-machine interaction, new competencies creation / development, and, organizational and professional changes