Following the digital revolution of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 ushers in a new era in the workplace. It advocates for harmonious collaboration between humans and machines. Human beings are placed at the heart of processes, contributing their creativity, emotional intelligence, and ability to solve complex problems. 

In this context, collaborative spaces are emerging as ideal places to experiment with this new industrial era. In education, these spaces provide a fertile ground to develop future skills. By integrating technologies such as robotics and programming, they allow students of all ages to explore the digital world in a playful and creative way. Whether building robots with kits like Lego, mBot, Thymio, or Makeblock, programming microcontrollers like Arduino, or using computer-aided design tools, the possibilities are endless. These activities encourage logical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

What is a collaborative workspace in Industry 5.0?

A collaborative space is an environment—physical or virtual—designed to promote interaction, creativity, and knowledge sharing among individuals. It is a place students, teachers, and teams can come together to work on joint projects, experiment with new ideas, and develop their skills. These spaces are often equipped with tools and technology to turn ideas into reality. This concept also boosts the robotics market, especially through educational robotics and humanoid robots.

Key technologies of Industry 5.0

Collaborative spaces in Industry 5.0 are driven by a set of key technologies that are reshaping the landscape of innovation. Artificial intelligence plays a central role by analyzing vast amounts of data to automate tasks, personalize products and services, and offer unprecedented solutions. Augmented reality is revolutionizing the way we design and interact with products by providing immersive experiences and facilitating the visualization of 3D projects. 

3D printing and the use of robots for learning democratize manufacturing, enabling rapid and cost-effective prototyping while paving the way for more personalized production. Finally, robotics is transforming production lines by automating  repetitive tasks and closely collaborating with humans to enhance efficiency and safety.

Creative spaces for active learning

Education is reinventing itself through collaborative spaces that stimulate creativity and innovation. Fab labs, true innovation workshops, offer students the opportunity to bring their ideas to life using cutting-edge digital tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters. Makerspaces, on the other hand, are more flexible environments where students can experiment with robotics kits (Lego, mBot, Thymio, Makeblock) and learn to program microcontrollers like Arduino.

Last but not least, fully equipped classrooms provide an ideal setting for hands-on learning with digital tools and appropriate teaching materials. These dynamic spaces allow students to develop key 21st century skills, such as problem-solving, creating AI-powered industrial robots, critical thinking, and teamwork.

The benefits of collaborative spaces in education

Collaborative spaces equipped with technologies such as robotics and programming offer an ideal playground for developing key 21st-century skills. By working in teams on concrete robotics projects, students learn to collaborate, creating programmable robots together—for example, communicating effectively and solving problems creatively. Building robots with kits like Lego, mBot, or Thymio stimulates their imagination and critical thinking. Programming these robots enables them to implement and develop rigorous logic and understand the workings of digital systems.

Personalized learning

In a collaborative space, learning is personalized. Each student can progress at their own pace and explore areas that interest them the most. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students in their discoveries. Robotics kits and programming tools are available in large quantities, allowing each student to work on a unique project. This personalization fosters motivation and engagement.

Preparing for the professional world

Collaborative spaces prepare students for the professional world by providing practical team-based work experience and enabling the development of key skills (project management, adaptability, creativity) that are highly sought after by businesses.

Implementing collaborative spaces in schools

Creating collaborative spaces equipped with digital technologies presents a unique opportunity for schools to stimulate students’ creativity and spirit of innovation. However, setting up such environments does come with challenges.

Challenges

One of the main obstacles lies in the costs associated with acquiring teaching materials and existing technologies (robotics kits like Lego, mBot, Thymio, or Makeblock), training teachers, and setting up the spaces. Additionally, integrating these new technologies into existing curricula requires in-depth pedagogical reflection and adaptation of teaching methods.

Solutions

To overcome these challenges, several avenues can be explored:

• Public-private partnerships: Partnerships with technology companies can make it possible to obtain equipment at preferential prices and benefit from technical support to maximize pedagogical impact.
• Ongoing Training: Specific training can be offered to teachers to help them master digital tools and design innovative classroom activities.
• Networking: Creating networks of schools experimenting with collaborative spaces encourages the sharing of best practices and resources.

Examples of best practices

Many schools have already successfully implemented collaborative spaces. For example, some institutions have created fab labs equipped with digital machines (3D printers, sensors and actuators, laser cutters) that allow students to create their own projects. Others have developed robotics programs in partnership with associations or universities. These initiatives demonstrate that it is possible to transform classrooms into true innovation labs, where students learn by doing and collaborating.