Autor: Norbert Gronau

Although it has been demonstrated that organizational knowledge transfer can be improved in principle, there is still no automated approach for identifying patterns in complex, context-dependent, and domain-specific knowledge transfer situations. This conceptual article therefore examines and characterizes knowledge transfer situations using the real-world example of product development in engineering. Furthermore, a concept for an adaptive, AI-based, real-time multi-agent system uses data to recognize recurring patterns in knowledge transfer situations and enables context-sensitive interventions. Finally, an outlook is provided on AI-based learning mechanisms (reinforcement learning) that can be used to adapt interventions for higher effectiveness in the long term.

Industrial platforms are fundamentally transforming the organization and structure of value creation. Beyond serving as intermediaries that connect machine manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, they enable data-driven decision-making in production while fostering innovation in product development. In doing so, they create new opportunities for collaboration and value creation through enhanced connectivity and interaction across the platform ecosystem.

The increasing complexity of industrial environments demands new competencies from workers, particularly the ability to interact with advanced digital systems. Traditional training methods often fall short in supporting the effective transfer of applied knowledge to such contexts, and the effectiveness of this transfer, as measured by performance-based outcomes, remains to be investigated. To address this gap, the present study employed a between-subjects experimental design comparing augmented reality- and paper-based instructions within a realistic production training scenario. The results show that participants who learned with augmented reality completed the production process significantly faster and with fewer errors than those using paper instructions. In addition, learners using augmented reality reported higher usability and experienced lower cognitive load during training. These findings suggest that augmented reality can enhance the transfer of practical skills in industrial ...