The intelligent person in Factory 4.0

Opinion

01.11.2018, 16:11

The intelligent person in Factory 4.0

I recently read about an exhibition that is currently on show in Venice: Homo Faber - the creative man. It showcases the most luxurious craftsmanship, where skill, originality and creativity are key. You can look over the shoulders of craftsmen: goldsmiths who make jewelry for Cartier or the transport designer for Ferrari. Or you can learn how the golden nib of a Montblanc fountain pen is created in 35 steps.

Annina Schopen, Editor handling © Petra Born

Some people might think it's a nice old working world. What will the working world of the future look like? Digitalization and automation are changing the way we work. Robots work hand in hand with people or drive through warehouses. The words autonomous, digital, flexible and collaborative are often used. But will humans still play a role? Or will intelligent machines gradually eliminate jobs? Many employees are currently asking themselves such questions.

One thing is certain: robots will be able to take over routine tasks in the future and it is possible that activities such as picking parts in the warehouse will no longer exist in the future. But new jobs will be created for which there may not even be a name yet. And work processes will often only be partially automated, for example through assembly assistance systems. Digital solutions make work easier, but do not replace people. At Motek, which is the subject of this issue's special (from p. 34), many smart solutions for assembly will also be on show again and cobots will also play a role.

Digitalization and Industry 4.0 offer companies the opportunity to link individual systems or locations to form intelligent factories and to be able to produce flexibly. But this is only possible if employees have the necessary skills, as only qualified personnel can handle the new technologies. Companies therefore need to take people on board when setting up the smart factory and allay employees' fears of digitalization. At the same time, employees must also be prepared to respond to changes and possible professional transformations in their field, for example through further training. In this way, the employee remains the homo faber.

I send you my best regards,
Yours

Annina Schopen
Editor handling

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