Industry 4.0
It seems everyone is talking about Industry 4.0. But what exactly does that mean? And what does it mean to companies and their factories? How will they change in the wake of this new industrial revolution? And how will it change the way work is done?
Future Work Lab
Two Fraunhofer Institutes and allied university institutes assembled an array of technologies in various exhibits at Stuttgart to show what the factory of the future could look like. Called the Future Work Lab, this ambitious project brings work, people and tech together in an innovation lab.
Making tomorrow’s manufacturing work in three worlds
The Future Work Lab has three legs to stand on. The main pillar of this tripod is Demonstrator World. It features various exhibits that convey an impression of what work in a future factory could look like. There is also a Learning World where knowledge is shared. Its seminars, workshops and training opportunities are open to anyone who holds responsibility in manufacturing. And Idea World is the place for scientists to exchange ideas with outside researchers. As the name suggests, this is about rapidly putting ideas into practice. And that is where this arena comes full circle: Applications born of collaboration can prove their real-world merits in Demonstrator World.
As the Future Work Lab goes to show, a company does not have to build a new factory to be ready for the future. Industry 4.0 can be adopted in small steps so that even small family businesses are not left behind. Their advance may be gradual, but digitalization and connectivity are making inroads into all manufacturing processes. Machines are getting smarter. Robots and other assistance systems are making working life easier and less hazardous. Even the ways and means of job training are sure to change.
A tour for Jane Citizen and Joe Public (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
A tour for Jane Citizen and Joe Public
What's so special about this saw? A Fraunhofer staffer explains the finer points of a smart tool.
An audience magnet (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
People want to know what all the fuss is about. Visitors can satisfy their curiosity on a guided tour or stroll through the hall on their own on Open Lab Day.
Das Future Work Lab kurz erklärtFederal Ministry of Education and Research
Tap to explore
Walk virtually through the Future Work Lab in Stuttgart
Ribbon-cutting time (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
One small snip for man and woman, one giant lab for mankind: Fraunhofer President Reimund Neugebauer, Federal Research Minister Johanna Wanka, IG Metall Chairman Jörg Hofmann and Südwestmetall Chairman Stefan Wolf doing the honors.
Blue sparkling wine (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Let’s all raise a glass to the colors of the Future Work Lab: Federal Research Minister Johanna Wanka, Fraunhofer President Reimund Neugebauer, IG Metall Chairman Jörg Hofmann and Südwestmetall Chairman Stefan Wolf
Ms.
Wanka, meet Mr. Robot
Nothing to fear here: Federal Research Minister Johanna Wanka gets to know a robot.
ARENA2036
The University of Stuttgart ARENA2036's research campus is home to the Future Work Lab. Industry and institute researchers are developing tomorrow’s car factory in this sizable hall. Many big-name companies are on board, including Daimler, Bosch, Siemens and Kuka. The name ARENA2036 is a nod to the automobile’s 150th anniversary, coming up in 2036.
Arena2036 Exterior View (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Arena2036 Exterior View (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Arena2036 Exterior View (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Vince Ebert für Fraunhofer IPA | ARENA2036Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
Projektträger Karlsruhe PTKA
Fraunhofer IAO
Fraunhofer IPA
Universität Stuttgart IFF
Universität Stuttgart IAT
