In the rapidly evolving landscape of Agriculture 5.0, a groundbreaking concept is taking root: Human Digital Twins (HDTs). These virtual replicas of human workers are poised to revolutionize the way we approach ergonomics, decision-making, and human integration into digital agricultural systems. A recent systematic literature review, published in *Smart Agricultural Technology*, sheds light on the current state and future potential of HDTs in agriculture, offering a roadmap for the industry’s digital transformation.
The study, led by Saulo de Oliveira Garré of the SENAI Innovation Institute for Sensor Systems (ISI-SIM) and the Center for Embedded Devices and Research in Digital Agriculture (CEDRA) of SENAI-RS, provides a comprehensive overview of HDTs in agriculture, mapping trends and suggesting directions for future research and development. The review, covering literature from 2014 to October 2025, analyzed 52 articles to identify key applications and implementation challenges.
HDTs in agriculture are primarily associated with five categories: well-being, safety, optimization, knowledge sharing, and worker-adaptive systems. These digital twins can simulate human workers’ interactions with agricultural machinery and environments, enabling better ergonomic designs, improved safety protocols, and optimized workflows. “HDTs offer a unique perspective on human-centered design in agriculture,” Garré explains. “They allow us to anticipate and address potential issues before they arise, ultimately enhancing the well-being and productivity of agricultural workers.”
The commercial impacts of HDTs in agriculture are substantial. By integrating HDTs into their operations, agricultural businesses can expect to see improvements in worker safety, reduced downtime, and increased efficiency. For instance, HDTs can help identify ergonomic risks in agricultural machinery, leading to designs that minimize worker fatigue and injury. Moreover, they can facilitate knowledge sharing among workers, fostering a more collaborative and informed workforce.
However, the path to widespread adoption of HDTs in agriculture is not without challenges. The study highlights data integration, standardization of frameworks, ethical aspects, and validation in real scenarios as key hurdles. Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts from researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers.
As the agriculture sector continues to embrace digital transformation, HDTs are set to play a pivotal role. The insights from this systematic review can guide future developments, ensuring that HDTs are effectively integrated into agricultural systems. “The potential of HDTs in agriculture is vast,” Garré notes. “By addressing the identified challenges and building on current trends, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth in the sector.”
In the dynamic world of Agriculture 5.0, Human Digital Twins are more than just a technological novelty—they are a catalyst for change, driving the industry towards a more human-centered, efficient, and sustainable future. As research in this area continues to evolve, the agricultural sector stands to reap the benefits, transforming the way we cultivate, harvest, and manage our resources.