The Autonomous Future: Can Industry 5.0 Compete When Machines Run the Show?

As AI systems autonomously orchestrate global supply chains and smart factories optimize production without human intervention, manufacturing stands at a defining crossroads. The European Union's Industry 5.0 vision prioritizes worker wellbeing and human-centric automation, while efficiency-first competitors race toward full autonomous operation. This panel brings together leaders from logistics, policy and innovation to debate whether human-centered values represent the future of competitive advantage—or a costly compromise.