The AKzentE4.0 project partners focus on practical and innovative solutions for the future of work.
Claudia Fahlbusch

AKzentE4.0: Setting the Course for the Future

The partners of the AKzentE4.0 project focus on practical and innovative solutions.

The AKzentE4.0 collaborative project is establishing a competence center in the Aachen region, serving as a central hub for digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. By fostering collaboration between academia, business, and administration, the project aims to develop innovative solutions that address the challenges of digitalization. It particularly focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in harnessing the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. Ultimately, the goal is to consolidate the project’s outcomes into a competence center that will enhance the region’s long-term economic strength.

From Coal to AI: The AKzentE4.0 Collaborative Venture for the Aachen Region

The phase-out of lignite in the Aachen region has brought about significant structural changes, prompting companies to adapt to the demands of Industry 4.0. This shift presents unique challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing and skilled trades. Although some companies have begun incorporating AI and other advanced technologies, efforts are often fragmented and lack a strategic approach, leaving much potential untapped. To bridge this gap and capitalize on this untapped potential, many businesses need guidance in digitalizing their processes effectively.

AKzentE4.0 is stepping in to provide that support by establishing an Ergonomic Competence Center for Gainful Employment in Industry 4.0.

The project, running from 2021 to 2026, is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and is managed by the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA). Through a collaborative approach, partners from research, industry, and administration are developing practical digitalization strategies that prioritize human-centered work design and employee training, recognizing that people remain at the core of business operations even in a digital era.

The initiative brings together a network of institutes and universities specializing in industrial engineering and ergonomics, alongside consultancies, industry associations, and the City of Aachen. The involvement of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts ensures that the project outcomes will be applicable to the skilled trades sector. By partnering with local companies, AKzentE4.0 aims to implement these new digital concepts, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and driving regional economic transformation.

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Current Progress Towards Industry 4.0

In the project's initial phase, a needs assessment was conducted to evaluate the digitalization levels of companies and identify their specific requirements for the competence center. The findings revealed that while the adoption of new technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) was still limited, there was strong interest in acquiring these innovations. Respondents recognized that the successful implementation of digital tools would likely bring new skill requirements for employees. To address these emerging needs, the project categorized support into three key areas: tailored company consultations, internal training for workforce development, and networking opportunities with other businesses facing similar challenges.

Building on this foundation, current efforts are focused on the practical implementation and evaluation of digital solutions, as well as the development of new training formats. Partner companies receive assistance in introducing and integrating new systems or processes, with an emphasis on ergonomic methods to ensure employee needs are prioritized. Individual projects are underway in areas such as personnel resource planning, staff development, and knowledge management, with goals that include deploying digital or intelligent solutions for ergonomic workplace design. To facilitate knowledge sharing and inspire best practices across industries, research partners assist in documenting the outcomes and enabling the scientific transfer of these findings.

In addition, close collaboration with companies is leveraged to develop and implement demonstrators for various applications, allowing technologies to be tested in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach ensures that new solutions can be evaluated and refined under practical conditions.

Another key focus is the design and evaluation of diverse training programs, which include classroom sessions, workshops, and e-learning formats. Training content ranges from train-the-trainer courses to VR-based instruction and addresses topics such as mental health and the application of AI across different fields, including the skilled trades.

Experience reality in a new way. The AKzentE4.0 project brings cutting-edge technologies to life and invites participants to explore them firsthand at events.
Martin Braun

Future Prospects for a Sustainable World of Work

The planned establishment of a competence center aims to ensure the long-term consolidation of the project’s outcomes while providing ongoing support to companies. Demonstrators will be showcased at various physical locations and represented virtually, allowing future visitors to engage with them interactively. Knowledge transfer and networking events will continue to be held throughout the project and beyond, both regionally and nationally. Additionally, e-learning courses will be accessible via the CLARICE learning platform, and specialized training sessions will be offered to deliver targeted technical and methodological skills. The competence center will also serve as a hub for company-specific consulting services, fostering collaboration between businesses and experts.

Want to Learn More?

For more information, visit our website at https://www.akzente40.de/
and follow our activities on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/akzente4-0.

– Autorin: Paula Danhausen