How can technical assistance systems help make workplaces more inclusive? Around 25 representatives of the Single Points of Contact for Employers (EAA) explored this question during a joint exchange meeting at SmartFactoryOWL on the Innovation Campus Lemgo. Prof. Dr. mult. Carsten Röcker welcomed the group and provided insights into his research on inclusive human-technology interaction.
The EAA provide information, advice and support to companies on issues relating to the employment, recruitment and training of people with disabilities. Their specialist advisers also connect companies with suitable regional contacts and support services. The event in Lemgo was organised by the Lippe Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Detmold.
Technology supporting greater participation
At the beginning of the visit, the focus was on how digital technologies can support people with different abilities and support needs in the workplace. Prof. Dr. mult. Carsten Röcker presented current research in this field, focusing on user-centred technologies that adapt to individual abilities and needs and can provide targeted support in a variety of work processes.
Eckard Bicker from delta3 GmbH demonstrated what such approaches can look like in practice. Using various application examples, he presented technical assistance systems for adaptive workplaces. These systems can, for example, guide employees step by step through workflows, provide information according to individual needs or adapt processes to different requirements.
→ Find out more about delta3: https://delta3.io
Exchange between research, advisory services and practice
In addition to the presentations, the visit offered plenty of space for discussion and for sharing experiences from research, advisory services and workplace practice. Prof. Dr. mult. Carsten Röcker emphasised that this kind of networking is particularly important for the further development of inclusive workplaces:
“Networking is particularly important in this field. We are therefore very pleased that the EAA accepted our invitation and that we were able to welcome both many familiar and some new faces to SmartFactoryOWL. It is important to us that our research activities do not end in the lab, but find their way into practice and create tangible added value there.”
The visit not only showcased current research and development approaches, but also brought together people working towards a more inclusive world of work from different perspectives. The discussions highlighted the potential of consistently human-centred technologies to enable greater participation in working life.
Author: Mona Marie Brinkmann