Boosting Competitiveness in Small Batch Production

AI has long been capable of analyzing production processes, yet why is it still so difficult to bring its insights back into production without intermediate steps? In automotive body-in-white mass production, the challenge is less a lack of data than the absence of holistic integration concepts that extend all the way to the machines. This paper demonstrates why bidirectionally communicative information systems are critical to addressing this challenge and identifies the design principles required to effectively integrate AI-generated results into production processes in the future.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping continuing vocational education and training by enabling the personalization of individual learning experiences. At the same time, audio-based learning formats are attracting growing interest among learners because of their flexibility and suitability for workplace learning. However, a conceptual framework for AI-supported audio learning, as well as the potential of combining artificial intelligence with audio-based learning, has received little attention to date. This paper therefore presents a conceptual perspective on the design possibilities and educational potential of AI-supported audio learning formats.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) offers new opportunities for organizational knowledge management, particularly when it comes to learning processes at the interface between explicit, firm-specific, and tacit knowledge. Its use is therefore of particular interest for application areas such as industrial maintenance. Based on a mechanical engineering case study, this article demonstrates that augmenting both processes and employees with GenAI requires AI literacy combined with professional skills.

Vertical factories reduce land use and harness the advantages of urban production. However, their multi-story structure significantly increases planning complexity. To counter such effects, this paper presents a typology that combines proven solutions for recurring challenges in the planning and operation of vertical factories. Relevant characteristics were examined using real-world case studies and structured within a morphological framework. This framework was consolidated into factory types that provide guidance for conceptual planning and serve as the foundation for intelligent planning support.

Can artificial intelligence be used to assess the validity and credibility of simulation models and data for production and logistics? And what requirements must AI assistance meet to effectively support experts in verification and validation while simultaneously safeguarding their competence? In an online survey, simulation experts were asked regarding their expectations and needs.

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a wide range of possibilities in industrial production, but it also presents challenges regarding employee acceptance. AI demonstrators are therefore of central importance, as they enable hands-on experience with AI. However, there has been a lack of systematically identified requirements for demonstrators that specifically promote acceptance and address negative emotions. Using a multi-stage research design, 69 requirements were identified, structured into functional requirements, quality requirements, and boundary conditions.