IS LIGHTING BASED ON PHOTOPIC REQUIREMENTS IN ASSEMBLY WORKSTATIONS ALSO OPTIMAL FOR NON-VISUAL PERFORMANCE IN A HUMAN-CENTRIC PERSPECTIVE? A CASE STUDY IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

The article explores how assembly stations in the automotive components industry are structured using Lean Production principles to minimize setup times, reduce travel distances, and ensure ergonomic arrangements of tools and materials. With the integration of Industiy 4.0 technologies, companies are increasingly digitizing production processes through systematic data collection, enhancing efficiency. A key factor in optimizing workstations is proper lighting, which is also central to the emerging Industry 5.0 paradigm that prioritizes human well-being alongside productivity. The study focuses on experimental lighting analyses conducted at a plant near Turin, Italy, operated by a multinational automotive company. Researchers examined both the visual and non-visual effects of light within U-and L-shaped work cells, taking measurements at the work surfaces and eye level of the operators. To compare objective findings with subjective experience, questionnaires were administered to the workers. Results showed that the lighting met regulatory standards and provided good support for circadian rhythms. However, some employees expressed concerns about glare and wanted more control over the luminous flux and positioning of the lighting systems. The findings suggest that enhancing lighting flexibility can improve visual ergonomics and support the transition toward more adaptive and worker-centred smart workstations aligned with Industry 5.0 principles.