The Road to Industry 5.0: Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) in Screw Assembly

While Industry 4.0 focused on connectivity, data, and automation, Industry 5.0 puts people back at the center of industrial production. The goal of modern assembly solutions is to create intelligent cooperation between humans and machines – not in competition, but as a synergy. Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) plays a key role in this transformation.

In HRC applications, collaborative robots – so-called cobots – work directly with human operators without the need for safety fencing. This opens up new possibilities, especially in areas like manual screw assembly, where flexibility, precision and ergonomics are critical.

Why HRC screwdriving is gaining importance

In many manufacturing environments, screw assembly remains a challenge: Repetitive, ergonomically demanding and time-consuming. Despite automation progress, some tasks are still best done with human intuition and adaptability. But what if you could combine human dexterity with robotic precision?

 

This is exactly where HRC screwdriving systems come in. They support employees by:

• Performing repetitive, physically demanding screwdriving tasks
• Ensuring consistent quality through controlled torque and angle monitoring
• Allowing flexible integration into existing workflows and workstations
• Working safely side-by-side with operators – certified for collaborative use

Instead of replacing workers, cobots take over non-value-adding or ergonomically critical steps and create capacity for higher-value tasks.

 

Typical challenges in manual screwdriving

Without collaborative support, many assembly lines struggle with:

• Frequent product changes and variant diversity
• Fluctuating assembly quality due to manual work
• Time pressure in small series or custom production
•  Physical strain in awkward tightening positions (e.g. overhead, deep-set screws)
• Personnel bottlenecks due to skills shortage or high turnover

HRC systems offer an efficient and scalable answer to all of these challenges – especially when flexibility and process reliability are required simultaneously.

 

The DEPRAG solution: Certified HRC screwdriving system

At Automatica 2025, DEPRAG presented a new, fully integrated HRC screwdriving system designed specifically for collaborative robot applications. It was developed to meet the real needs of modern production – safety, flexibility, and reliability.

Key features of our HRC system:

• Compact and modular design – ideal for flexible assembly cells
• Certified safety concept for fence-free use with cobots
• Fully integrated screwdriving and feeding technology
• Compatible with UR cobots (others to come)
• Seamless documentation and process monitoring (e.g. torque, angle, OK/NOK evaluation)

This allows companies to automate manual screwdriving tasks step by step, without compromising flexibility or safety.

 

Where does HRC screwdriving make sense?

HRC systems are particularly effective where precision meets variability and where people and technology must work together. Typical use cases:

• Electronics assembly with frequent product changes
• Precision tightening in medical technology
• Automotive pre-assembly or end-of-line applications
• Assembly of modules with variable tightening positions

Thanks to their quick teach-in, intuitive operation and low installation effort, HRC systems are also ideal for smaller and medium-sized companies looking to automate without large-scale restructuring.

Successful integration of HRC technology requires more than just the right tools. At DEPRAG, we accompany you throughout the entire process – from initial idea to production-ready deployment.

Our approach:  

1. Process analysis: Together, we identify workstations with high automation potential
2. Technology selection: We configure the HRC system based on your requirements
3. Integration support: From cobot programming to feeding configuration
4. Training & optimization: We train your teams and help you get the most out of your system

The result: A tailor-made screwdriving solution that creates measurable added value in your production.

Human-Robot Collaboration is more than a trend – it's a strategic tool for sustainable production. Especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers, high quality requirements and global competition, HRC offers decisive advantages:

• Increased flexibility in variant-rich production
• Lower ergonomic stress and fewer absences
• Less absenteeism and employee absences
• Stable quality and traceable screw connections

Companies that rely on collaborative automation today are laying the foundation for a future-proof assembly process – and for a smart, people-centered Industry 5.0.

Would you like to learn more about our HRC screwdriving system?

Whether you are just starting with automation or want to further optimize your assembly line: Our experts are here to help you.

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