A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0
The transition to Industry 5.0 highlights the growing integration of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in industrial ecosystems. However, adoption remains fragmented, lacking standardized frameworks to align intelligent automation with human-centric principles. While...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7402 |
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| author | Leonel Patrício Leonilde Varela Zilda Silveira Carlos Felgueiras Filipe Pereira |
| author_facet | Leonel Patrício Leonilde Varela Zilda Silveira Carlos Felgueiras Filipe Pereira |
| author_sort | Leonel Patrício |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The transition to Industry 5.0 highlights the growing integration of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in industrial ecosystems. However, adoption remains fragmented, lacking standardized frameworks to align intelligent automation with human-centric principles. While RPA improves operational efficiency and AI enhances cognitive decision-making, challenges such as organizational resistance, interoperability, and ethical governance hinder scalable and sustainable implementation. The envisioned scenario involves seamless RPA-AI integration, fostering human–machine collaboration, operational resilience, and sustainability. Expected outcomes include (1) hyperautomation for efficiency gains, (2) agile, data-driven decision-making, (3) sustainable resource optimization, and (4) an upskilled workforce focusing on innovation. This study proposes a structured five-stage framework for RPA-AI deployment in Industry 5.0, combining automation, cognitive enhancement, and human–machine symbiosis. A systematic literature review (PICO method) identifies gaps and supports the framework’s design, validated through operational, human-impact, and sustainability metrics. Incorporating ethical governance and continuous upskilling, the model ensures technological advancement aligns with societal and environmental values. Results demonstrate its potential as a roadmap for responsible digital transformation, balancing efficiency with human-centricity. Future research should focus on empirical validation and sector-specific adaptations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-49e27f9f861d470d935f18ed443c5d77 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-49e27f9f861d470d935f18ed443c5d772025-08-20T03:50:17ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-07-011513740210.3390/app15137402A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0Leonel Patrício0Leonilde Varela1Zilda Silveira2Carlos Felgueiras3Filipe Pereira4Department of Production and Systems, Algoritmi/LASI, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, PortugalDepartment of Production and Systems, Algoritmi/LASI, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, PortugalDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Sao Carlos School of Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 13566-590, BrazilISEP—Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, PortugalINEGI—Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, PortugalThe transition to Industry 5.0 highlights the growing integration of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in industrial ecosystems. However, adoption remains fragmented, lacking standardized frameworks to align intelligent automation with human-centric principles. While RPA improves operational efficiency and AI enhances cognitive decision-making, challenges such as organizational resistance, interoperability, and ethical governance hinder scalable and sustainable implementation. The envisioned scenario involves seamless RPA-AI integration, fostering human–machine collaboration, operational resilience, and sustainability. Expected outcomes include (1) hyperautomation for efficiency gains, (2) agile, data-driven decision-making, (3) sustainable resource optimization, and (4) an upskilled workforce focusing on innovation. This study proposes a structured five-stage framework for RPA-AI deployment in Industry 5.0, combining automation, cognitive enhancement, and human–machine symbiosis. A systematic literature review (PICO method) identifies gaps and supports the framework’s design, validated through operational, human-impact, and sustainability metrics. Incorporating ethical governance and continuous upskilling, the model ensures technological advancement aligns with societal and environmental values. Results demonstrate its potential as a roadmap for responsible digital transformation, balancing efficiency with human-centricity. Future research should focus on empirical validation and sector-specific adaptations.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7402RPAAII5.0digital transformationsystematic reviewsustainability elements |
| spellingShingle | Leonel Patrício Leonilde Varela Zilda Silveira Carlos Felgueiras Filipe Pereira A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0 Applied Sciences RPA AI I5.0 digital transformation systematic review sustainability elements |
| title | A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0 |
| title_full | A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0 |
| title_fullStr | A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0 |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0 |
| title_short | A Framework for Integrating Robotic Process Automation with Artificial Intelligence Applied to Industry 5.0 |
| title_sort | framework for integrating robotic process automation with artificial intelligence applied to industry 5 0 |
| topic | RPA AI I5.0 digital transformation systematic review sustainability elements |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7402 |
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