euromicron’s subsidiary ELABO supports development of the workplace of the future

euromicron’s subsidiary ELABO, a specialist for workplace systems and Smart Industry solutions for small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is helping develop the workplace of the future. The “Future Work Lab” of Fraunhofer IAO (Institute for Industrial Engineering) and Fraunhofer IPA (Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation) in Stuttgart has recently begun showcasing a work system which is based on solutions from ELABO and which conveys a vision of work in the year 2036 using the example of a typical assembly workplace in an SME.

With its Smart Industry software Elution, which enables the establishment of networked production environments, euromicron’s subsidiary has supplied the technological heart of this system, whose basic concept was created by Fraunhofer IAO and which was fleshed out in cooperation with a design studio. The highly flexible software means users can create fully networked production environments. Open, customizable interfaces mean all network-capable devices and systems at a company can be integrated – from tablets and data glasses, CRM and ERP programs, to building automation. ELABO also contributed the workbench, power supply column and structures for supplying materials to match the design requirements. All three elements have a mobile design and can be combined by users as desired.

The combination of flexible control software and mobile workplace elements enables enterprises to readapt the layout configuration of the assembly workplace to new market requirements and company-specific user expectations at any time. Common configurations, such as series and flow assembly or U lines, can be implemented efficiently, as can decentralized individual workplaces tailored to an employee’s specific requirements. Work instructions created with the aid of the software and displayed on monitors or data glasses help employees in every work step. At the same time, lighting configurations, seating or standing options and the air-conditioning of the workspace can be customized. The workplace and digital assistance systems are very easy to control by means of voice. The focus is thus on creating a productive work environment that appeals to individual employees and helps ensure optimum occupational health and safety.

“The work system implemented with the aid of ELABO solutions at the Future Work Lab gives us a lively, authentic impression of the broad-ranging possibilities the future of work holds,” states Jörn Trierweiler from euromicron’s Executive Board. “However, it also clearly demonstrates the enormous extent to which software-based Smart Industry solutions will be the basis of successful business models moving ahead. By uncompromisingly developing such solutions with our subsidiary ELABO, the euromicron Group is also ideally positioned as a vendor in this regard.”