Due to today’s technological advances in the area of Industry 4.0, having a strategy for cognitive automation solutions is crucial. Operator 4.0, will have handle and manage different work tasks ranging from learning new tasks to solving difficult problems and initiate changes. To support the operator moving between these tasks a specific strategy for the design of cognitive automation solutions is needed. The suggested strategy has three steps: (1) select assembly modes, (2) choose level of cognitive automation carrier and (3) suggest cognitive automation content. It is important that the operator is part of the design and that the solution supports movement between the modes learning, operational and disruptive modes. The strategy could support manufacturing companies meeting challenges regarding social sustainability e.g. stress, attractive workplaces and demography changes as well as system transparency and complexity.