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From ontologies to knowledge augmented large language models for automation: a decision-making guidance for achieving human–robot collaboration in Industry 5.0

From ontologies to knowledge augmented large language models for automation: a decision-making guidance for achieving human–robot collaboration in Industry 5.0
From ontologies to knowledge augmented large language models for automation: a decision-making guidance for achieving human–robot collaboration in Industry 5.0
The rapid advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs) has resulted in interest in their potential applications within manufacturing systems, particularly in the context of Industry 5.0. However, determining when to implement LLMs versus other Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, ontologies or knowledge graphs, remains an open question. This paper offers decision-making guidance for selecting the most suitable technique in various industrial contexts, emphasizing human-robot collaboration and resilience in manufacturing. We examine the origins and unique strengths of LLMs, ontologies, and knowledge graphs, assessing their effectiveness across different industrial scenarios based on the number of domains or disciplines required to bring a product from design to manufacture. Through this comparative framework, we explore specific use cases where LLMs could enhance robotics for human-robot collaboration, while underscoring the continued relevance of ontologies and knowledge graphs in low-dependency or resource- constrained sectors. Additionally, we address the practical challenges of deploying these technologies, such as computational cost and interpretability, providing a roadmap for manufacturers to navigate the evolving landscape of Language based AI tools in Industry 5.0. Our findings offer a foundation for informed decision- making, helping industry professionals optimize the use of Language Based models for sustainable, resilient, and human-centric manufacturing. We also propose a Large Knowledge Language Model architecture that offers the potential for transparency and configuration based on complexity of task and computing resources available.
cs.HC, cs.RO
0166-3615
Oyekan, John
6f644c7c-eeb0-4abc-ade0-53a126fe769a
Turner, Christopher
b7c9836c-eaf0-45ab-9be8-0e9edb77d2f1
Bax, Michael
924ae39a-1ce6-4e10-8684-2059031c368f
Graf, Erich
1a5123e2-8f05-4084-a6e6-837dcfc66209
Oyekan, John
6f644c7c-eeb0-4abc-ade0-53a126fe769a
Turner, Christopher
b7c9836c-eaf0-45ab-9be8-0e9edb77d2f1
Bax, Michael
924ae39a-1ce6-4e10-8684-2059031c368f
Graf, Erich
1a5123e2-8f05-4084-a6e6-837dcfc66209

Oyekan, John, Turner, Christopher, Bax, Michael and Graf, Erich (2025) From ontologies to knowledge augmented large language models for automation: a decision-making guidance for achieving human–robot collaboration in Industry 5.0. Computers in Industry, 171, [104329]. (doi:10.1016/j.compind.2025.104329).

Record type: Review

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs) has resulted in interest in their potential applications within manufacturing systems, particularly in the context of Industry 5.0. However, determining when to implement LLMs versus other Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, ontologies or knowledge graphs, remains an open question. This paper offers decision-making guidance for selecting the most suitable technique in various industrial contexts, emphasizing human-robot collaboration and resilience in manufacturing. We examine the origins and unique strengths of LLMs, ontologies, and knowledge graphs, assessing their effectiveness across different industrial scenarios based on the number of domains or disciplines required to bring a product from design to manufacture. Through this comparative framework, we explore specific use cases where LLMs could enhance robotics for human-robot collaboration, while underscoring the continued relevance of ontologies and knowledge graphs in low-dependency or resource- constrained sectors. Additionally, we address the practical challenges of deploying these technologies, such as computational cost and interpretability, providing a roadmap for manufacturers to navigate the evolving landscape of Language based AI tools in Industry 5.0. Our findings offer a foundation for informed decision- making, helping industry professionals optimize the use of Language Based models for sustainable, resilient, and human-centric manufacturing. We also propose a Large Knowledge Language Model architecture that offers the potential for transparency and configuration based on complexity of task and computing resources available.

Text
2505.18553v1 - Accepted Manuscript
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
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More information

Accepted/In Press date: 8 June 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 10 July 2025
Published date: 10 July 2025
Keywords: cs.HC, cs.RO

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 503121
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/503121
ISSN: 0166-3615
PURE UUID: d35f2174-5f4f-4fbd-9241-b1793dd0fd2c
ORCID for Erich Graf: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-3162-4233

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 22 Jul 2025 16:32
Last modified: 11 Sep 2025 04:04

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Contributors

Author: John Oyekan
Author: Christopher Turner
Author: Michael Bax
Author: Erich Graf ORCID iD

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