Industry 4.0 Competence Center Hanover

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are floor-bound systems,
consisting of several components that can organise the logistical transport of materials in an automated and driverless manner.
The advantages associated with the introduction of AGVs can be particularly interesting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
can be particularly interesting. By specifically increasing the degree of automation in the organisation of internal processes with the help of AGVs, an increased volume of material transport can be handled reliably and with high availability.
can be handled reliably and with high availability without
without having to tie up more personnel at the same time. This means that personnel resources can be utilised more efficiently and relieved by using AGVs.

Digital route network planning, digital factory planning, AGV introduction

An ageing society and the emergence of new diseases are generating rapid growth in the healthcare industry in many industrialized countries. The use of AI can lead to an increase in performance while at the same time reducing costs. This is why the use of AI in the medical technology is continuously increasing, driven by the numerous benefits it brings, including

• Diagnosis can be significantly optimized by incorporating extensive experiential knowledge into and retrieving it from AI systems. In this respect, AI enables us to analyze images, laboratory results and patient files can be analyzed and evaluated.
• Individualized treatment plans can be developed through the use of AI can be developed. These plans holistically take into account all aspects of the patient and thus help to significantly increase the effectiveness significantly increase the effectiveness of the therapy.
• Predictive analyses are made possible through the use of AI. AI can identify risk factors and predict complications.

AI, Unsupervised Learning, Diagnostics

The use of a digital tool for workplace evaluation makes it possible to document and evaluate production workplaces in terms of their ergonomics with little effort. As part of the digitization project, a concept for optimizing workplace ergonomics was developed with the help of a digital tool and converted into a catalog of measures. The Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover (IPH), as a partner of the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover, has supported WISTRO Elektro-Mechanik GmbH from Langenhagen in a project to carry out a systematic workplace assessment within a digital tool. In addition, ergonomic optimization measures for an assembly workplace were identified and evaluated using an individual utility value analysis.
By carrying out the project, it was possible to create awareness and concrete measures for the topic of ergonomics and thus to increase the possibilities for an increase in the number of employees and thus the possibilities for increasing employee motivation.

ergonomics, digitalization, employee satisfaction

How can the restructuring of a factory layout be planned efficiently and without errors? Thanks to digital three-dimensional factory planning, the quality of planning projects can be improved and the implementation period shortened. This is demonstrated by the exemplary use of a digital tool in a project of the Mittelstand 4.0 Kompetenzzentrum Hannover at Zerspanungstechnik Kuhn Edelstahl GmbH.

factory planning, digital factory, digital twin, drone

The use of digital assistance systems can contribute to the reduction of non-value-added activities and thus has significant benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises. This is shown by the method-oriented concept development for the introduction of an assistance system at Tietjen GmbH

digital assistance system

Thanks to digital assistants, even low-skilled workers can perform complex tasks - the example of SCHUBS GmbH shows this. The company manufactures customized control cabinets and is an important employer for people with disabilities. Schubs would like to introduce a digital assistance system so that they can take on more responsible tasks in the future. The Mittelstand 4.0 Competence Center Hanover developed the demonstrator for this.

assistance systems, digitization

The digitization of processes and the networking of systems is a major challenge for many small businesses. In addition to traditional production companies, the transition to Industry 4.0 is increasingly affecting branches that have not been adequately considered as users for smart technologies and IoT. Modern horse stables manage complex feed schedules, track movement data, analyze temperatures and other parameters or monitor electric fences. So far, there is no instrument to control all of these demanding and complex processes efficiently and easily. Ludwig und Partner Reitanlagen and the Mittelstand 4.0 competence center in Hanover worked together to develop a concept for the low-threshold networking of such facilities. This is intended to make digitization opportunities more accessible and to ensure economic operation.

digitization, Internet of Things, IoT, networking, retrofit

Since 2015 the Mittelstand 4.0 Centre of Excellence "Mit uns digital!" informs SMEs in Lower Saxony and Bremen about the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation. Now the funding from the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs was renewed.

digitalization, industry 4.0, SMEs

A bus rebuilt as factory is presently touring across Lower Saxony and Bremen. The goal: getting small enterprises informed on Industry 4.0. The free roadshows are organized by "Mit uns digital!". Until the end of 2017, there will be another eleven tours.

industry 4.0, digitalization, SMEs

Online monitoring of production processes, digital factory planning, additive manufacturing – "Mit uns digital!" offers these workshops for free to specialists and executives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The digitalization campaign is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany.

production technology, digitalization, industry 4.0

Free information around the topic Industry 4.0 is offered by “Mit uns digital! Das Zentrum für Niedersachsen und Bremen“ (literally translated as: Go digital with the Centre for Lower Saxony and Bremen!). The experts provide trainings for specialists and executive managers and support them when implementing their digitalization projects.

industry 4.0, digitalization, training

Despite the high economic potential, only a few companies in Lower Saxony have implemented Industry 4.0 approaches so far. Therefore a new Industry 4.0 Competence Center is introduced in this article. The Center supports companies in Lower Saxony on their way to Industry 4.0 with a wide range of services. As part of a national initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics the Competence Center’s objective is to significantly increase the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions within the next three years.

industry 4.0, competence center, digitalization

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy appointed five centres to help support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development and adoption of Industry 4.0 know-how. The joint proposal of PZH and IPH is the one which will be put into practice first. What is the benefit for craft and SMEs?

industry 4.0, digitalization, SMEs