Experience the Future World of Work

On November 22, 2018, the RWTH Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering will open an "Escape Room" to illustrate possibilities for designing the future of work in production.

 

With the help of a special project of the Chair of Production Metrology and Quality Management at the RWTH Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL), current research on the digitally connected workplace of the future can be actually experienced within a “gamified” setup.

The project simulates a prototypical workplace in production of a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) in a scenario similar to an “escape room” game. With the help of various digital tools and new technologies, groups of up to five people have to solve typical production-related, quality-relevant problems under time pressure. Team members decide on how to best use the available tools to complete the tasks at hand so as to “escape” the room as soon as possible.

The Escape Room is to illustrate various use scenarios for new, digital technologies, highlighting design possibilities for the future workplace in the production sector.

Winning Project in the Year of Science 2018 Competition

The project was among the winners of the University Competition Year of Science 2018 – Tomorrow’s Working World (de) and has been approved for funding in the amount of 10,000 euros from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The Escape Room will be officially opened on Thursday, November 22, starting at 4pm in Metzgerstraße 10, 52070 Aachen.

At the opening event, visitors will have the opportunity to try out the Escape Room. Furthermore, members of the development team will give an overview of the research activities and technologies that have contributed to the project. The event is targeted at members of SMEs in production, students, vocational schools, and all those with an interest in the the future world of work.

At the subsequent get together, participants have the opportunity exchange and discuss their experiences. Snacks and drinks will be served.