X-HuLog4.0 researchers featured in the Saarbrücker Zeitung: Human-centered management in the spotlight

We are pleased to announce that Michael Bauer and Prof. Dr. Eric Grosse, representing Saarland University and partners of the X-HuLog4.0 consortium, have been featured in the Saarbrücker Zeitung, the largest daily newspaper in the Saarland region. The article, published on 10 November 2025, highlights their research on human-centered management concepts, the challenges of digital transformation, and the importance of employee-oriented approaches in modern logistics and production systems.

The interview emphasizes that many companies implement technologies such as AI, automation, or VR/AR without sufficient consideration of human needs, employee acceptance, or psychological effects. As noted in the article, “digitale Transformationsprozesse unterliegen einer starken Tendenz sich zu verspäten, zu verteuern oder ganz zu scheitern,” unless employees are meaningfully involved and supported throughout the change process.

Bauer and Grosse underscore the need for Digital Transformation Coaching, a concept derived from their ongoing research and aligned with the objectives of X-HuLog4.0. This coaching-based approach aims to strengthen acceptance of new technologies, reduce fears and resistance, and enhance productivity and well-being across logistics workplaces.

The article also highlights Bauer’s personal academic journey and his motivation to focus on research that bridges technological innovation with human-centric values. Their joint work, including contributions to Warehousing 5.0 and to the X-HuLog4.0 project, demonstrates how organizations can implement emerging technologies responsibly — improving not only efficiency but also working conditions, ergonomics, and long-term organizational resilience.

This media appearance marks an important dissemination milestone for the project, demonstrating growing public interest in human-centered logistics and the transformative impact of our consortium’s work.