Digitalisation from logistics to assembly lines: applications in the Portuguese automotive sector
Moniz, António, Marta Candeias and Nuno Boavida, N. (2025). Digitalisation from logistics to assembly lines: applications in the Portuguese automotive sector, International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management,
The digitalisation of logistics and assembly lines in the Portuguese automotive sector is reshaping manufacturing processes, work organisation and competence requirements. The research aims to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with these technological changes and their impact on workforce skills and organisational structures. Findings suggest that digitalisation is progressing unevenly across logistics and production, with logistics leading in automation while production struggles with legacy systems and high costs. The shift to alternative engines supports digitalisation, but significant workforce skill gaps in AI and digital systems remain a challenge. Companies are implementing internal training, yet outdated vocational programs fail to address Industry 4.0 needs. Rather than full automation, digitalisation is fostering new human-machine collaboration, requiring cooperation between AI specialists, managers, and workers. To ensure success, policymakers and industry leaders must prioritise workforce reskilling and align digital strategies with labour market realities.
Publication type:
project report
Publication language:
English
Publication date:
2025
Publication URL:
https://doi.org/10.1504/IJATM.2025.10072451
Institute:
Observatory of Technology Assessment (OAT) (OAT)
Country:
Portugal
Project:
Artificial Intelligence: Effects on work and employment in Portugal (OAT)

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