Article: Applications of digital twin in human factors, ergonomics and organisational dynamics Journal: International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE) 2025 Vol.12 No.5 pp.1 - 26 Abstract: Digital twin (DT) technology has significantly advanced, integrating into various industries, however, its application and implications within the human factors and ergonomics and industrial and organisational psychology fields remains underexplored. This paper explores the potential of DT technology to advance human-centric design and streamline organisational processes through a narrative review. Our analysis highlights ten critical domains where DT applications can drive meaningful improvements. The human factors and ergonomics scope includes workplace design, safety analysis, equipment optimisation, human-robot collaboration, and training simulations. In the context of industrial and organisational psychology, the focus extends to workforce planning, performance analysis, managing organisational change, promoting employee well-being, and fostering leadership development. Our findings suggest that integrating DT technology with HFE and IOP principles can lead to more efficient, safe, and productive work environments. We also discuss challenges such as data privacy concerns, technological integration hurdles, and the necessity of maintaining a human-centric focus in DT implementations. This paper contributes to the dialogue on integrating advanced technological and human-centric approaches, proposing possible pathways for future research. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Applications of digital twin in human factors, ergonomics and organisational dynamics

Authors: Marco De Angelis; Mabel San Román-Niaves; Luca Pietrantoni

Addresses: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy ' Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy ' Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy

Abstract: Digital twin (DT) technology has significantly advanced, integrating into various industries, however, its application and implications within the human factors and ergonomics and industrial and organisational psychology fields remains underexplored. This paper explores the potential of DT technology to advance human-centric design and streamline organisational processes through a narrative review. Our analysis highlights ten critical domains where DT applications can drive meaningful improvements. The human factors and ergonomics scope includes workplace design, safety analysis, equipment optimisation, human-robot collaboration, and training simulations. In the context of industrial and organisational psychology, the focus extends to workforce planning, performance analysis, managing organisational change, promoting employee well-being, and fostering leadership development. Our findings suggest that integrating DT technology with HFE and IOP principles can lead to more efficient, safe, and productive work environments. We also discuss challenges such as data privacy concerns, technological integration hurdles, and the necessity of maintaining a human-centric focus in DT implementations. This paper contributes to the dialogue on integrating advanced technological and human-centric approaches, proposing possible pathways for future research.

Keywords: digital twin; human factors and ergonomics; HFE; industrial psychology; organisational dynamics; safety analysis; performance analysis; organisational change; technology integration; skill development; training simulations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.150416

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2025 Vol.12 No.5, pp.1 - 26

Received: 26 Mar 2024
Accepted: 18 Nov 2024
Published online: 12 Dec 2025 *

Title: Applications of digital twin in human factors, ergonomics and organisational dynamics

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