INTELLIGENT ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS FOR A COMPETENCE-ENHANCING IN INDUSTRIAL TEXTILE WORK ENVIRONMENTS

New production technologies based on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are pushing their way onto the textile industry's shop floor. This is considered to be a revolution of work processes: The interaction with "intelligent" systems on machines and the increasing automation change processes, work structures, and tasks of textile industry's workforce on different organizational levels. For instance, tasks get more complex, extended and changed competencies become necessary. The handling of modern textile machines is more complex than before and requires increasing skills of the employees in operation and maintenance. For instance, the requirements of mechanics become more mechatronics-oriented, and industrial electricians work more and more together with IT service personnel. By creating and providing diversity-driven workplaces, technical tools, and mobile information technologies, companies can provide their employees with individual assistance in the exercise of their activities. These measures will simplify working life for the large group of older workers, by helping them to compensate for resulting performance limitations, as well as allowing them an adequate participation in professional life. In particular, the introduction of information technologies in manual processes or handling operations can help to compensate age-related decreases in cognitive processes, or a declining sharpness of the senses. This can reduce effects such as social exclusion or economic competition between employment generations.