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Flexible and connected: the Industry 4.0 workplace

Industry is undergoing a period of radical change – for the fourth time. But this time, it is neither the steam engine nor the assembly line that is driving companies towards new horizons. It is digitalisation.

Read the article to find out what matters and what role workplace design plays in this.

What is Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 aims to integrate real and virtual processes. Intelligent information systems are what make this possible. In short, it is about connecting people, machines and data. In many sectors, such as mechanical engineering and logistics, Industry 4.0 is already the norm.

Rigid production lines quickly reach their limits in Industry 4.0. Demand fluctuates, products have shorter life cycles and production steps are constantly being optimised. Companies cannot afford time-consuming changeovers that take hours or even days.

Whether it’s material flow, capacity utilisation or machine bottlenecks – integrating real-time data allows disruptive factors to be identified immediately. However, the real benefit only becomes apparent when workstations and processes are flexible enough to respond swiftly to the insights gained from this data. That is why a workstation system that can keep pace is an advantage.

Auf der Modulleiste eines Arbeitstischs sind unterschiedliche Schnittstellen zusehen, darunter mehrere Schuko-Anschlüsse.

Industry 4.0 needs the right workplace

When it comes to Industry 4.0, it’s all about having the right setup. In production, you need modular workstations that can be adapted to new circumstances in no time at all. These include our BASIC, SINTRO, QUADRO and TriMax systems.

In production facilities where industrial robots – known as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – handle the supply of materials, a suitable infrastructure is essential. These autonomous vehicles require unrestricted access to storage systems and workbenches. Modular workstations make it straightforward to adapt the layout accordingly.

In some sectors, Industry 4.0 is shifting the focus of tasks from hands-on work to inspection. This calls for workstation systems designed for quality checks and repairs – for example, through optimally lit work surfaces. TriMax is one such system.

The workbench is therefore no longer just a surface, but an interface for manual work, material flow, IoT devices and data streams. Where assembly takes place today, quality checks may soon be carried out. A future-proof workstation system adapts to this change.

Not just a piece of furniture, but a system

We view the desk not merely as a piece of furniture, but as a comprehensive system. The TriMax range, in particular, is equipped with data and communication interfaces. These include:

  • RJ45
  • CAT6
  • SUB-D
  • USB A/B
  • USB-C
  • Compressed air connections
  • DC modules

Some of these modules are standardised, whilst others are interchangeable. This means you can arrange the latter as you wish – in whatever way best suits the product range. The required devices can therefore be connected directly at the workstation. Data transfer, for example via USB, is also possible via the workstation. This not only lays the foundation for effective working, but also for networked processes. And that is what Industry 4.0 is all about.

Make sure your workplaces are ready for Industry 4.0 – We’d be happy to help you with that!

The cost of a workstation system depends heavily on the equipment selected and the technical complexity. As a rule, the investment per workstation is between €1,000 and €6,000. As all our products are modular in design, each system can be customised. We produce the perfect workstation to meet your specific requirements.

No, there are no minimum quantities at KARL. As we have our own production facilities, we manufacture individual items with the same precision and care as large series.

Yes, KARL is Europe's leading specialist for ESD-compatible workstation systems. Our systems fulfil the strict requirements of the DIN EN 61340-5-1 standard and use conductive materials such as HPL table tops and dissipative powder coatings to reliably protect sensitive electronics.

The regular delivery time is 6 to 8 weeks after receipt of the order. This period includes internal order processing, customised production in our factory in Bavaria and final delivery.

Customised production is one of our greatest strengths. All KARL products are consistently modular in design. This enables us to produce exactly the right workstation for every customer. You can also choose from a wide catalogue of add-ons such as lighting, power supply or special shelves.