learning factories

I4S 2/2026: Learning Factories

I4S 2/2026: Learning Factories

Drivers of research and learning environments for Industry 4.0
In recent years, learning factories have evolved into key experimental environments in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In addition to their role as training centers for skilled workers, they also serve as real-world research laboratories. This issue of Industry 4.0 Science examines learning factories as venues for exploring new approaches and technologies—whether digital assistants, cobots, serious games, or digital twins.
Applied Knowledge and Augmented Reality

Applied Knowledge and Augmented Reality

Bridging the gap between learning and application
Jana Gonnermann-Müller ORCID Icon, Philip Wotschack, Martin Krzywdzinski ORCID Icon, Norbert Gronau ORCID Icon
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 ...
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | 2025 | Edition 5 | Pages 22-29 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.25.5.22
Hybrid Learning Landscapes for Technical Concepts

Hybrid Learning Landscapes for Technical Concepts

The digitalization of training via practical concepts and targeted networking
Sebastian Anselmann ORCID Icon, Jessica Wädt, Uwe Faßhauer ORCID Icon
The Länder- und Phasenübergreifende Interface (LPI) (engl. Cross-Regional and Cross-Phase Interface) promotes the sustainable digitalization of vocational and technical education through the systematic provision of expertise and innovative networking formats. The focus is on hybrid learning landscapes (HLL), which interlink physical and digital learning spaces to create individualized, practical learning environments. Innovative approaches such as learning factories, VR/AR and learning analytics are integrated.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | Edition 3 | Pages 126-132
Modular Learning Factories for Industry 4.0

Modular Learning Factories for Industry 4.0

Acquisition of a target-oriented acton competence to accelerate industrial implementation
Maximilian Dommermuth ORCID Icon
Industry 4.0 requires new teaching content due to its innovation potential. Skills profiles currently in demand often aren't reflected in vocational and tertiary education. Additionally, conventional further education and training often costs considerably money and time. Tailor-made learning opportunities and teaching targeted problem-solving skills in a modular learning factory are a more effective approach.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 4 | Pages 24-30 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.24.4.24
Learning Factories as Innovative Training Locations for SMEs

Learning Factories as Innovative Training Locations for SMEs

Qualitative analysis of concepts and cooperations
Kathleen Warnhoff ORCID Icon, Simon Dabrowski ORCID Icon, Lea Müller-Greifenberg, Denise Gramß, Monika Stricker
In the context of Industry 4.0, learning factories are important places for company-based learning. Studies show that they have continued to develop since their emergence and are no longer limited to vocational and academic education. This leads to the question of how much the concept of the learning factory represents an innovative approach to further training in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This article focuses on three selected learning factories relevant to continuing education that were analyzed using qualitative methods with regard to their concepts and cooperation. The findings are embedded in a theoretical framework that links the scientific discussion on learning locations and educational cooperation. The empirical findings from three learning factories illustrate relevant learning locations for continuing education in SMEs.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 4 | Pages 32-41
I4S 4/2024: Learning Factories

I4S 4/2024: Learning Factories

Learning locations for SMEs, more resilience through knowledge transfer
The shortage of skilled labor is putting pressure on many manufacturing companies worldwide. While skilled labor is becoming scarcer in traditional industrialized economies, proper training is urgently needed in countries with high unemployment. But how to solve this challenge? Find out what makes learning factories so successful in this issue.
Analysis of the Characteristics of Current Learning Factories

Analysis of the Characteristics of Current Learning Factories

Virtual reality as a possible answer to topical challenges
Christoph S. Zoller, Lars Harkemper, Wladimir Rempel
Learning factories offer the possibility to plan, execute and analyze the knowledge imparted in theory on realistic industrial systems. This article analyzes the potential of developing and operating a learning factory in a virtual environment. For this purpose, institutions with learning factories are surveyed regarding the challenges and desires in the operation of learning factories and the mentioned aspects are discussed with regard to their representability in Virtual Reality. The result shows that Virtual Reality positively influences a large part of the aspects and has a high potential to solve current challenges in the establishment and operation of learning factories.
Industrie 4.0 Management | Volume 38 | 2022 | Edition 2 | Pages 33-36
Evaluation in Learning Factories

Evaluation in Learning Factories

Competency-Oriented Improvement of Action-Oriented Trainings
Michael Tisch, Christian Hertle, Joachim Metternich, Eberhard Abele
In order to improve action-oriented trainings, in this paper an approach for results-based evaluation by using evaluation tasks is presented. Thus weaknesses of current programs can be identified and trainings can be continuously improved.
Industrie Management | Volume 30 | 2014 | Edition 3 | Pages 20-24
Learning Factory for Imparting Different Competences

Learning Factory for Imparting Different Competences

Experience work design and management in a training factory
Christopher Prinz ORCID Icon, Friedrich Morlock, Pia Sabrina Wagner, Dieter Kreimeier, Manfred Wannöffel ORCID Icon
Learning factories in Germany concentrate on the two classic aspects of production: Optimization of production processes (lean management) as well as the efficient use of resources. The learning factory of the chair of production systems at Ruhr-University Bochum considers also the topic management and organization of labour to convey competences in the field of co-determination. In cooperation between the faculty of mechanical engineering and social sciences as well as the office of cooperation RUB/IMU different learning factory exercises have been developed, which impart this learning factory a special significance.
Industrie Management | Volume 30 | 2014 | Edition 3 | Pages 39-42
Analysis of Impact Factors on Labour Productivity

Analysis of Impact Factors on Labour Productivity

Eine Grundlage für zielorientierte Verbesserungsprozesse in der Serienproduktion
Thomas Czumanski, Tim Prasse, Hermann Lödding ORCID Icon
The competitiveness of manufacturing companies producing in high-wage countries is strongly depending on labour productivity. In the course of Germany’s demographic change, companies with manual production need to compare the heterogeneous impact factors on labour productivity to develop goal-oriented measures for productivity improvements. The integral productivity analysis enables the user to identify the various impacts on labour productivity and to prioritise fields for process optimisation. The approach is based on the state-oriented modelling of worker activities.
Industrie Management | Volume 29 | 2013 | Edition 3 | Pages 20-24