Autor: Anthimos Georgiadis

The integration of industrial laser assistance systems for worker guidance into the control layer opens up possibilities of digital transformation for manufacturing companies. These are illustrated using the example of the Digital Factory of the Leuphana University Lüneburg. In a practice project a manual assembly station using an industrial laser assistance system is developed and integrated into the SIMATIC control level of the digital factory. The worker interacts with the assistance system and is guided by the latter through the order-related assembly process. The worker stands in the center of action.

The interworking of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and operating resources is a prerequisite for the flexible and versatile production in Smart Factories of Industry 4.0. This article describes a qualitative and quantitative analysis of an MES integration based on an industrial laser assistance system for worker guidance. It analyzes the situation and requirements from a user perspective with special consideration of implemented systems, interfaces, protocols as well as Plug & Produce. The study uses qualitative analysis results from opinion makers and quantitative analysis results from leading manufacturing companies among others from the automotive and aerospace industry. Thus, the study supports decision making for MES investments in Industry 4.0.