Development of “Industry 4.0”! - are Skilled Workers and Semi-Engineers the Losers?

摘要

Within the context of “Industry 4.0” Industry 4.0 is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of things (IoT) and cloud computing. it cannot be denied that work organization and work processes will change along with proceeding automation and real-time oriented control. The same is true for work contents and the interaction and communication between man and technology, which have many consequences for users and providers of the entire vocational training system. One of the not yet clarified questions concerns the impact these developments will have on skilled workers and semi-engineers on the shop-floor. Based on a study conducted by the author, this question will be investigated. Empirical results will be presented on future employability and on how employees should be qualified in order to cope with these challenges.