ABSTRACT
This work-in-progress paper explores the integration of human cognition and interaction models into industrial automation systems. We begin by examining how human cognitive patterns can be applied to the development of conscious agents within these systems. From an interaction standpoint, we analyse the dual role of humans as both users and workers within automated environments. The convergence of these perspectives enables the creation of intelligent, multi-agent systems where humans function as equal agents. Such systems are characterised by true flexibility, as each component can independently assess its capabilities and collaboratively plan actions to achieve both collective (external) and individual (internal) goals. We present two case studies to illustrate these concepts: The first case study examines a distributed vertical farm, where modules must coordinate their energy consumption, demonstrating steps towards cognitive reasoning in machines. The second involves the automation of a cruise ship’s HVAC system, where agents (cabin units) negotiate a temperature setpoint based on human behaviour (userfocused scenario).
