Offense 4.0 - The future of the factory is no longer a factory

In the past, it was the steam engine that forced people to leave their looms at home and go to the factory. Later, it was the assembly line, which only became established after an entire generation of engineers had died out - because they held on to their old knowledge. Today, we are facing a similar turning point: Digitalization is not only ending the industrial revolution, it is also calling the factory itself into question.

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I watch with fascination as robots break out of their cages. Thanks to artificial intelligence, they are not only becoming faster and safer, but also more flexible. Soon, a state-of-the-art production facility will fit into any garage. Digitalization is eating the economies of scale of mass production for breakfast. Manufacturing is returning to where it once began: the home office.

And what does that mean for us humans? That we will become unemployed? No - we will still have to work. But work is changing radically. Everything inhuman is being digitized. What remains is what really defines us: empathy, creativity and personal responsibility.

Our great-grandparents had to slave away in factories because there were no robots. We have the chance to redefine work. The digital revolution will only be a success if it leaves no one behind - and solves the skills shortage at the same time. Provided we are curious, responsible and motivated.

Fancy more? You can read the whole article here - and I promise it's worth it!

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