Digitalization and automation have given rise to numerous nightmare scenarios, ranging from the threat to jobs and the dangers of digitalization to the decline of entire population groups such as the middle class. However, the idea that we will all be replaced by robots is above all a dystopian narrative. There have always been changes to structures and jobs as a result of technological developments. The spread of trucks from the 1950s onwards, for example, had a massive impact on inland shipping. Shipping companies had to close, seamen and dock workers lost their jobs. On the other hand, it was necessary to move trucks, expand roads and build logistics centers. There was no wave of unemployment. Employees underwent further training or retraining to meet the changing requirements.

This development will repeat itself. It is already clear today that digitalization is not about robots replacing employees. Rather, it is about systems that enable humans and machines to work together more closely and in a more networked way. Optimum from Karlsruhe has developed just such a system with its Smart Klaus assistance system. "As specialists in industrial image processing and intelligent databases, we have developed an assistance system that enables humans and computers to work together in real time," says Optimum Managing Director Wolfgang Mahanty, explaining the principle. "Smart Klaus can be implemented in almost any working environment and, thanks to three neural networks, is able to expand its own knowledge independently."

In use at numerous companies, from Audi to Liebherr and Miele, the digital assistant impresses with its high recognition rate, uncomplicated operation and open visual feedback. It supports the assembly of various components, recognizes individual parts and thus relieves employees. The result: increased quality, time saved and error-free work steps.

Wolfgang Mahanty sees the future in this system: "The transfer of analog to digital data, its preparation and provision for all employees of a company and the constant expansion of this knowledge will define the working world of tomorrow." as