Both the world of manufacturing and the world of work are becoming increasingly digital. An anthology edited by Professors Alexander Klein and Torsten Niechoj of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences presents digital applications and solutions, whilst also examining the social prerequisites and consequences of digitalisation.
Paperless communication within administration and the processing of production orders using electronic workflows and document management systems are just as much a part of digitalisation as the use of cyber-physical production systems. People and ‘collaborative’ robots are working more closely together than ever before, and even in indirect areas, ‘bots’ and cognitive systems are increasingly taking on tasks that were previously the preserve of humans.
How can digitalised systems and Industry 4.0 factories be designed and implemented? What, specifically, is the net benefit of digitalised production when one takes into account the effort required to set up the systems? How can companies overcome these challenges? What risks does the new digital world of production pose for companies, for the economy, but also – and particularly – for society and the individual?
A conference held at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences in late 2018 addressed these questions, and its findings are now available in updated form as a book. Edited by Alexander Klein and Torsten Niechoj, professors in the Faculty of Technology and Bionics and the Faculty of Communication and Environment respectively, 31 authors provide, across twelve articles, an interdisciplinary perspective on technical solutions and their socio-cultural prerequisites, as well as their implications for society.
It is particularly worth noting that the cover design is the result of a student competition organised under the supervision of Christian Stindl from the Faculty of Communication and Environment. The winner, Robine Gillen, a student on the Information and Communication Design course, uses self-similar elements in her cover design – elements that also characterise individualised mass production. Copper, as one of the most conductive elements, symbolises speed – another hallmark of modern, digital production.
The book ‘Digital Production. Value Propositions, Solutions, Social Issues’ (ISBN 978-3-7316-1413-5), edited by Alexander Klein and Torsten Niechoj, is now available in bookshops nationwide or directly from the publisher at a price of EUR 29.80.
