Industry 5.0 is no longer understood merely as an extension of automation; it reflects a broader shift toward integrating technological advancement with human well-being, sustainability, and resilience. However, the literature reveals a fragmented landscape in which technological, industrial, and ecological dimensions are often treated separately, hindering a cohesive understanding of the paradigm. To address this gap, this study conducts a PRISMA-ScR-based review of 52 peer-reviewed studies (January 2021–March 2026), structured around ten research questions that examine technologies, sectors, methods, human-centered design, sustainability alignment, and implementation barriers. The review demonstrates high reliability (Cohen’s κ = 0.981). Findings highlight artificial intelligence (86%), collaborative robotics (80%), IoT (71%), and digital twins (63%) as core technologies, typically integrated within human-in-the-loop systems. Manufacturing and healthcare lead adoption, reporting reduced physical workload and improved safety. Nonetheless, only 63% of studies explicitly align with sustainability frameworks, revealing a persistent gap. Thus, inclusive Industry 5.0 remains a promising yet still insufficiently consolidated concept.
Acosta-Vargas et al. (Wed,) studied this question.