Rotte has been successfully developing and researching for years around the topic of Industry 4.0, resulting in solutions that are used in networked production: These include the operator assistance system "Smart Factory Panel" and the "Active force-sensitive workpiece carrier", which was awarded the NRW prize for craftsmanship.
By becoming a member of it's OWL cluster of excellence, we want to continue to actively meet concrete challenges of digitization and benefit from the advantages of the technology network for our research work.
Together fit for the digital future
Increasing digitization is not only changing everyday life, but also industrial production, business models and the demands placed on employees. To remain competitive, companies must increase the intelligence in their products and production processes and develop new customer access. Since 2012, around 200 companies (e.g. Phoenix Contact, Benteler, Böllhoff, Harting), research institutes, universities and organizations have joined forces in the "Spitzencluster it's OWL" - "Intelligent Technical Systems OstWestfalenLippe" cluster of excellence to successfully shape this change. The aim is to emerge from the digital transformation as a winner - to be a shaper, not a driven one.
Motor for the development of the location OstwestfalenLippe
Since the launch of the Leading-Edge Cluster 2012, the companies have created around 7,500 new jobs. 34 companies in the field of flexible manufacturing have been founded. Seven research institutes have been established, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Design Technology Mechatronics (Paderborn) and the Fraunhofer IOSB INA - Department Industrial Automation (Lemgo). In addition, 23 new practice-oriented courses of study were created at the six universities with the involvement of industry - including many dual and part-time courses. The number of MINT students increased by 48 percent.
it's OWL is regarded as a pioneer for Industry 4.0 in medium-sized businesses. With the support of the state, federal government and the EU, a total of 200 million euros in projects are to be launched between 2018 and 2022. Current key topics are machine learning, Big Data, digital twins, digital platforms and the working world of the future.
By the way: OstWestfalenLippe is one of the strongest production locations in Europe - characterized by a high concentration of employment, innovative ability and export quota. In mechanical engineering, the electrical and electronics industry and the automotive supply industry, 400 companies provide jobs for around 80,000 employees and generate annual sales of 17 billion euros.
