Future Work Lab

Innovation laboratory for work, people and technology in Stuttgart

PLATZHALTER (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research

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?

Working together (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research

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. 

A learning world (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research

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.

Open house (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research

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

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. (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research


Ms.
Wanka, meet Mr. Robot

Nothing to fear here: Federal Research Minister Johanna Wanka gets to know a robot.

Arena2036 Exterior View (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research

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

Credits: Story

Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
Projektträger Karlsruhe PTKA
Fraunhofer IAO
Fraunhofer IPA
Universität Stuttgart IFF
Universität Stuttgart IAT

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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