Siemens is a pioneer in numerous issues relating to digitalization. Low-emission drive technology, energy generation and automation solutions in industry are all part of the company's product portfolio. But in some areas, even the technology giant needs a little help. And Optimum from Karlsruhe is one of the companies providing it.

The specialists for camera-based assistance systems have been successful on the market for over 26 years - including with the cognitive worker assistance system Smart Klaus. Smart Klaus relies on intelligent image recognition as the technological basis for all other tasks. This includes the identification of articles that are difficult to distinguish, support in the manual assembly of complex components and continuous quality control. By comparing images with the internal image database in real time, the system is able to optimize work processes, save time and enable error-free production.

At Siemens, Smart Klaus is used in THT assembly. Integrated into differently structured production lines, it ensures faster and more error-free work processes. This is because the variety of products is huge and the demands on the workers are correspondingly extensive. Full concentration is required for each new piece. Once the components have been soldered incorrectly, it is difficult to correct them.

The tasks of the assistance system: managing a wide range of variants, recognizing components, providing instructions, pointing out design errors.

To provide noticeable relief, Clever Klaus has to be flexible. His tasks include dealing with the wide range of variants, recognizing components, providing guidance, pointing out design errors and motivating. He also checks, confirms and documents the entire process. To guide the worker, the individual work steps are demonstrated on a screen in a short video clip and the position of the individual elements is displayed directly on the workpiece. Tools such as screwdrivers and scanners are also directly connected. Measurement data is recorded, used for assembly and included in quality control. A camera is mounted above the work area. With its help, the digital assistant checks in real time whether the respective step has been carried out correctly and points out errors, which can then be corrected immediately. Once the first step has been completed, the next one continues until a smiley appears on the screen at the end, confirming successful completion.

Since assembly often requires delicate work, Siemens uses a recently introduced innovation from Smart Klaus. Thanks to an integrated laser, it is no longer necessary to look at the screen. All assembly points of the various components are displayed directly on the workpiece. This means that the worker is no longer distracted and can concentrate fully on his task. The laser's capabilities are not limited to displaying small points. Complex contours and the exact position of components are also displayed directly on the workpiece. Successful assembly is therefore child's play. Once the work step has been completed, the light goes out, signaling successful completion. In addition to the advantages in production, Smart Klaus also makes an important contribution to the success of a company. This is because it secures knowledge and experience within the company in the long term. Proven practices and techniques are stored digitally and are therefore permanently available. This reduces the loss of expertise and manpower caused by employee absences, whether due to illness, retirement or job changes. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even unskilled workers carry out all steps correctly. Training new colleagues is simplified and work is successful and error-free right from the start.

The step-by-step instructions ensure that even unskilled workers can carry out all the steps correctly.

Since Smart Klaus has been in use at Siemens, the company has benefited from higher quality, productivity and competitiveness in manual production. This is also confirmed by the employees: "You simply work faster," they say. "Smart Klaus saves a huge amount of time." Production is more efficient, more successful and more relaxed. The support provides more security, as errors practically no longer occur. as