The smart glove or smart data glasses: Digitalization of work means that technology is moving closer to the bodies of employees. It can make movements, vital signs and even emotions visible. Technologies which many people use privately to monitor their sporting activities or health opens up a...

The article examines the relationship between lean production and Industrie 4.0 focusing on the question of autonomy in the work process. In contrast to the claim made by official Industrie 4.0 concepts that the autonomy of the employees would increase, we see in the current implementation...

The article analyses the evolution of automotive manufacturing technologies and organisations and assesses the impact of “fourth industrial revolution” concepts and policies (in Germany, US and China) in particular for employment and work. While it dismisses the idea that a fourth industrial...

The article analyses the evolution of automotive manufacturing technologies and organisations and assesses the impact of "fourth industrial revolution" concepts and policies (in Germany, US and China) in particular for employment and work. While it dismisses the idea that a fourth industrial...

The current understanding of automation is dominated by “routine-biased technological change” (RBTC). This theory predicts a strong automation dynamic in jobs with high routine-task share and a polarization of employment structures. While RBTC theory has many merits, this paper develops a...

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world of work. For trade unions, the issue of how to regulate the use of AI is a central but difficult topic because the technology is still at an early stage and experience on its use limited. Focusing on Germany, this article addresses...

The article analyses the evolution of automotive manufacturing technologies and organisations and assesses the impact of "fourth industrial revolution" concepts and policies (in Germany, US and China) in particular for employment and work. While it dismisses the idea that a fourth industrial...