What is Industry 4.0? What exactly is being explored at CENTRUM INDUSTRIAL IT (CIIT)? What to study to be a demanded employee in the future? LZ-editor Thomas Reineke and LZ-director Ralf Freitag interviewed the CIIT-experts. They talked about changes in the working world, the role of people in the factory of the future, chances and fears regarding Industry 4.0 and how young people can find their way into working life.
Dr. Eberhard Niggemann (Director Weidmüller Academy) emphasized the huge opportunities for new products and more efficient processes in the context of Industry 4.0. Niggemann illustrated: “This means an increase of value and flexibility for the employees as well as a support of powerful assistance systems. The integration of low-qualified persons or persons with disabilities is facilitated and new fields of application are created. But: Everything has two sides. There could be negative effects that we should not lose sight of.” Roland Bent (Director Phoenix Contact” added: “Humans will not be replaced, but further qualifications are requested.”
Professor Jürgen Jasperneite (Director Institute Industrial IT) explained about the technology location Ostwestfalen-Lippe that there are regional benefits with the CIIT and the SmartFactoryOWL. About 80% of the market leaders in the field of electrical engineering are rooted in this region. He emphasized: “Together we are stronger”. Lemgo has plenty to offer when it comes to junior staff development. A unique offer for students was created in Lemgo, explained Jasperneite: “Everybody who wants to get to know the special environment, should study in Lemgo.” Professor Gunther Olesch (Board Phoenix Contact and committee IHK Lippe zu Detmold), as a further participant of the panel, encouraged the listeners: “For good occupational prospects, take up a study in the technical field.”
Bent added: “Maximize your knowledge.” He advised the listeners to think outside the box and to broaden skills. For the recruitment of future employees “Soft Skills” like being able to work as part of a team or intercultural competencies are important and couldn’t be offered by a machine.
In conclusion, the potentials and advantages of the fourth industrial revolution are predominant. Bent summed up: “Digital revolution will come. We cannot stop it, but we can shape it in Germany.” That can be understood as a call for the young visitors of the fair to play a part in this field and to forward the region Ostwestfalen-Lippe.