Working with assistance systems

Goodbye, piles of paper

A mouse and keyboard will not be the only tools to handle data and documents at tomorrow’s workstation. The entire desk will be a digital worktop.

A brainy bolter

This is a smart electric screwdriver. Activating only when placed on the right screw, it fastens the screw down to a predefined torque. Place it anywhere but on this type of screw, and the power stays off.

Easy assembly

Well-lit, ergonomic and smart – that is how we envision tomorrow’s assembly workstation to be. The table and chair automatically adapt to every worker that logs in. Mixed reality glasses show what needs to be done.

A mood-enhancing mushroom

This mushroom-like lamp makes a nice accessory for a futuristic workplace. Its lampshade emits variable light; its built-in nozzles can atomize fragrances, if desired.

Phantom parts delivery

A roaming robot cart fetches everything workers need to get the job done.

Walkabout plants

Planters conjure a pleasant indoor climate. Mounted on a self-driving wheelboard, they can go anywhere to spread some green cheer.

Bringing order to the universe with glasses

Mixed-reality glasses let this worker pick the job he wants to do next. He grabs a ball from a color-coded cloud of options. Red orders are urgent and come first.

An assembly trio

Modular workstations can go anywhere in the hall. This mobility puts everything within easy reach. Setups are quickly reconfigured when it comes time to make a new product.

Seeing is knowing

This factory monitor provides all manufacturing data in real time. This will be a viable option once every process is stored in the company cloud.

More than merely a timekeeper

This smartwatch is very versatile. It raises the alarm when a machine needs assistance. It documents when a task is completed. And it can be customized, for example, by setting the desired lead time for a reminder.

From an idea to a brand

The idea of using a Smartwatch to simplify factory workflows was born at Fraunhofer. It grew into a company called aucobo.

Go or no-go?

Is that worker reaching for the right part? The system detects and indicates this like a traffic light – red for no-go and green for go.

A glimpse of the future

This gentleman is gazing through VR glasses to see a conveyor belt that has yet to be built. Virtual reality can make planning a whole lot easier.

He can lift virtual balls from a conveyor belt with his virtual claws. His VR glasses turn nothing into something to grab.

Educational videos

It doesn't have to be an old hand who teaches a newcomer the tricks of the trade. This monitor shows what needs to be done.

Pointers

What's to be done next? A projected image provides guidance.

Double vision

See more through mixed reality glasses - real things like a hand as well as virtual objects.

Awed and amazed

Mixed reality is a mind-bending experience, especially when you can manipulate virtual images like this woman is doing with her hand.