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Modern manufacturing systems typically require high degrees of flexibility, in terms of ability to customize the production lines to the constantly changing market requests. For this purpose, manufacturing systems are required to be able to cope with changes in the types of products, and in the size of the production batches. As a consequence, the human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are typically very complex, and include a wide range of possible operational modes and commands. This generally implies an unsustainable cognitive workload for the human operators, in addition to a non-negligible training effort. To overcome this issue, in this paper we present a methodology for the design of adaptive human-centred HMIs for industrial machines and robots. The proposed approach relies on three pillars: measurement of user's capabilities, adaptation of the information presented in the HMI, and training of the user. The results expected from the application of the proposed methodology are investigated in terms of increased customization and productivity of manufacturing processes, and wider acceptance of automation technologies. The proposed approach has been devised in the framework of the European project INCLUSIVE.

Studies suggest that cell proliferation abnormalities of the colorectal mucosa are associated with risk of neoplasia, and most cancers of the large bowel are thought to arise from adenomas. The results of other studies suggest that vitamins A, C, and E have chemopreventive efficacy against colon cancer in animal models. This study evaluates the effect of dietary vitamin supplementation on cell kinetics in uninvolved rectal mucosa in patients with colorectal adenomas. Twenty patients with colorectal adenomas were given vitamins A, C, and E for 6 months after complete polypectomy, and 21 patients with adenomas received placebo. In each patient, six biopsy specimens were taken from normal-appearing rectal mucosa before treatment and after 3 and 6 months of treatment and were incubated with tritiated thymidine ([3H]thymidine), and the [3H]thymidine-labeled cells were counted by use of autoradiography. Two parameters of cell proliferation were evaluated: 1) the ratio of the number of labeled cells to the total number of cells (thymidine labeling index) and 2) the ratio of the number of labeled cells in the upper 40% of the crypt to the total number of labeled cells in the crypt (phi h). The latter index reflects abnormal expansion of the proliferative compartment and is thought to be an intermediate biomarker of cancer risk. In patients receiving vitamins, phi h decreased progressively from baseline values, with increasing statistical significance (P less than .05 after 3 months, P less than .01 after 6 months). There was a statistically significant decrease in the thymidine labeling index in the 40% of the crypt near the mucosal surface, but the variation in the overall labeling index was not statistically significant. In the placebo group, we observed no statistically significant change in cell kinetics. These findings suggest that vitamin A, C, and E supplementation is effective in reducing abnormalities in cell kinetics that may indicate a precancerous condition. Before larger trials on chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma recurrence are conducted, additional studies are needed (a) to validate that cell kinetics is an intermediate biomarker, (b) to determine active agents, optimal dosage, and the relative efficacy of agents given alone and in combination, and (c) to test toxicity.

With the increasing complexity of modern industrial automatic and robotic systems, a burden is placed on system operators, who are required to supervise and interact with very complex systems, typically under difficult and stressful conditions. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to adopt a responsible approach based on an anthropocentric design methodology so that machines adapt to human capabilities rather than vice versa. In this article, we consider an integrated methodological design approach, referred to as measure, adapt, and teach (MATE), which consists of devising complex automatic or robotic solutions that measure the current operator's status and adapting the interaction accordingly, while providing him or her with the necessary skills and expertise to improve the interaction. A MATE system, shown in Figure 1, endeavors to be usable for all users, thus meeting the principles of inclusive design. However, the use of such a MATE system calls to attention several ethical and social implications, which are discussed in this article. Additionally, a discussion about which factors in the organization of companies are critical with respect to the introduction of a MATE system is presented.The increasing complexity of industrial automatic and robotic production systems is a result of industry competitiveness and the need to comply with market demands. As a consequence, along with this progress comes the need for laborers to acquire more advanced skills to operate such systems. Furthermore, they must also endure challenging work conditions, such as noisy environments, tight schedules, the fear of job loss, and/or psychological pressure due to the presence of supervisors. Such strenuous conditions are amplified when vulnerable users, such as those cognitively or physically impaired as well as elderly and low-educated operators, are involved in the interaction. In typical operative scenarios, these classes of workers are barred from job positions that necessitate the meticulous attention to detail required to interact with a robot or within a complex factory plant. Alternatively, in the case that these workers are granted any such occupations, their responsibilities and duties are severely limited. To invert such a policy, complex product systems need to be simplified. The adoption of a MATE system will enable such a goal, as the system strives to be