Open Access Articles

Despite its potential, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in industry is often delayed, primarily due to perceived complexity, high costs, and a lack of expertise. This article presents a modular demonstrator reference architecture that provides practical, low-cost access to industrial AI applications. Developed within a design science research approach, it specifically supports experimentation, learning, and gradual integration into existing production processes. The focus is on machine vision, implemented using cost-effective hardware and open-source software. Its applicability is demonstrated in three scenarios: quality control, chip classification, and in-company training. Initial evaluations confirm the technical feasibility, didactic relevance, and transferability to a variety of industrial contexts.

Support systems like exoskeletons can reduce physical strain on workers in industrial workplaces. To facilitate their development, a simulation pipeline was created. This pipeline employs musculoskeletal human models coupled with an exoskeleton model, enabling detailed analyses of the biomechanical interaction between humans and exoskeletons. By implementing exoskeleton structures and integrating them into existing musculoskeletal models, the pipeline aims to optimize exoskeleton development while simultaneously enhancing their biomechanical effectiveness.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly implemented in companies, but often without clear organizational anchoring. This article evaluates centralized, decentralized, hybrid, and project-based frameworks for the structural integration of artificial intelligence in corporate organizations. A decision table provides guidance for selecting suitable models. In the conclusion, further open research questions are posed.

Despite the commercial availability of simulation tools, using of discrete-event simulation for complex production and logistics systems is becoming increasingly challenging. It requires extensive expertise, high data quality, and considerable time and financial resources. For many years, therefore, there has been high demand for methodological and organizational support for the conduction of simulation studies. This article is based on an analysis of relevant publications and aims to classify previous research on improving the use of simulation. It also raises the question of the need for assistance in applying discrete event simulation and identifies areas for action.

Targeted ergonomic design of workplaces and processes can counteract the challenges of manual assembly and improve working conditions. However, current expert ergonomics assessments are time-consuming and resource-intensive. This article presents an automated assessment method based on the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Results from a laboratory study within an assembly scenario are consistent with expert evaluations.

The work system is the key unit of analysis within the discipline of human factors/ergonomics (HFE); it is also considered a fundamental element for value creation within other domains. Its concept is based on sociotechnical systems theory and, within HFE, it conveys a distinctly human-centered perspective. So far, work system models have focused on one or several people working within a defined setting as the only (intelligent) actors within the system. The introduction of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) into work systems, particularly as an intelligent and autonomous actor (agent) with potentially specific social abilities and personality traits, calls for reconceptualization. This article elaborates on the new requirements related to the introduction of genAI and develops a human-centered AI-paired work system model that recognizes the significantly expanded capabilities of AI-enabled collaborative social robots.

Industrial companies in Germany face demographic change and stagnating productivity in an increasingly complex world. Manual assembly remains essential for complex, low-volume products, yet productivity and quality lag due to human variability. This paper introduces a concept and demonstrator for an empathic assembly assistance system that merges a human digital twin and AI-based screwdriver data analytics within a modular architecture. Tightening anomalies are classified, linked to inferred worker states and translated into information and recommendations.

Traditional quality control often falls short in high-mix, low-volume production environments due to variability and complexity. This project introduces an advanced workstation to boost industrial productivity and quality, developed with Axiomatic Design to ensure a clear link between customer needs, functional requirements, and design solutions. Combining polarization cameras, high-resolution imaging, adaptive lighting, and deep learning-based computer vision, the system performs high-accuracy inspection on quantity, quality, and compliance. A digital assistance system offers real-time feedback via an intuitive interface. Validation in a controlled environment confirmed both the system’s practical benefits and its scalability.

Compared to traditional AI systems, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) introduces user-dependent characteristics that create unique challenges for AI governance in organizations. These challenges are particularly tied to human factors, such as employee attitude, awareness, and skills, which are often neglected by existing governance frameworks. This qualitative case study examines how a manufacturing organization implemented GenAI governance mechanisms to foster the responsible use of this technology. The findings reveal that organizations should adopt a holistic approach, combining structural, procedural, and relational mechanisms to address employee-related aspects of GenAI governance. As a result, this study contributes to the growing field of GenAI governance and provides practical insights for its responsible use in organizations.

For around 15 years, German labor productivity per working hour has been increasing at significantly less than 1% per year. At the same time, more detailed productivity analyses reveal high potential in companies. The issue is that the required MTM analyses are complex and not yet employed as broadly and frequently as would be necessary. One solution is the use of digital technologies such as motion capture. These make it possible to carry out productivity analyses with little effort, as they provide data that accelerates the analysis. The MTMmotion® tool from the MTM ASSOCIATION e. V. was developed with the aim of carrying out valid and compliant MTM analyses using data provided by other technologies. This article compares the method developed for a motion capture system and MTMmotion® with a conventional MTM-1® analysis. The main result is that digital technologies can be used to create valid MTM analyses in early planning phases with little effort in order to make early ...