contact - TÜV Rheinland - Home | US | TÜV Rheinland · 2020-05-11 · 2 Cover story I craft!WORK 09 Interview with Dr. Michael Fübi Digitalization is crucial. Why future success

I / 18THE HUMAN AND DIGITAL WORLDS ARE STARTING TO MERGE. THIS

NEW, HYBRID WORLD OFFERS SPACE FOR MORE CREATIVITY, HUMAN-

ITY AND A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIVING, BUT WHAT WE CHOOSE TO DO

WITH THESE OPPORTUNITIES IS ENTIRELY UP TO US.

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2 Cover story I craft!WORK

09 Interview with Dr. Michael Fübi Digitalization is crucial. Why future success will belong to companies that sell education.

11 Blessing or Burden The digital world is fascinating. How we choose to use smart technology is up to us.

14 Harmonious Duet For robot ethics researcher Kate Darling, engineer Marion Weissenberger-Eibl, and organ builder Frank Weimbs, humans and digitalization are two sides of the same coin.

20 Symbiosis between Humans and Machines Why even algorithms need a TÜV | How nanorobots can prevent operations | When robots can benefit from psychotherapy | Where machines play sports, too | How real actors bring digital characters to life.

COVER STORY craft!WORK:

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

22 More Freedom in Old Age Smart helpers of the future must be equipped to perform one very important task: handling the challenges involved in the demographic shift.

30 Plan Digital, Build Physical The digital ‘Building Information Modeling’

tool will permanently change the construc-tion industry.

32 Noise Put to the Test Event planners must comply with German recreational noise regulations to assess noise pollution.

33 When Cars Call for Help How does the eCall system work?

34 Catching Up with Counterfeiters Experts use magneto-optical resonance testing to expose the techniques used by criminals to fake classic cars.

36 Pedal to the Metal Mechanic, competitive race driver, musician, and TV moderator: Lina van de Mars is always on the lookout for new challenges.

Yasuhisa Toyota visits concert halls around the world in search of the perfect sound. The Japanese acoustics expert designed the interior of the large concert hall at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. Its ‘White Skin’ consists of 10,000 gypsum fiber panels. This non-repeating, seemingly chaotic three-dimensional surface is made up of grooves and dune-like curves. Its properties were calculated by custom algorithms and manufactured by computerized milling machines. The panels are designed to disseminate the sound in the hall so that every member of the audience can enjoy each nuance of the music. To test his virtual soundscape, Toyota built a 1:10 scale model of the concert hall five meters by five meters in size. This way, he could hear with his own ears how closely the computer was able to emulate his idea of the perfect sound.

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harmonizingTHE DUET BETWEEN HUMANS AND MACHINES: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAN MAKE MELODIES OF ITS OWN

WHEN PROVIDED WITH NOTES AND RHYTHMS. BUT ITS MUSICAL MASTERY IS LIMITED TO ‘EXPLORATIVE CRE-

ATIVITY,’ IN WHICH IT FINDS NEW WAYS TO COMBINE EXISTING SOUNDS. THIS PAVES THE WAY FOR HUMANITY’S

‘TRANSFORMATIVE CREATIVITY.’ INDEED ONLY HUMANS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WORK THAT IS TRULY NEW.

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Agriculture and livestock management are some of humanity’s earliest inventions – and they have always been open to technical innovation. It has been a long road from the very first gardeners who sowed seed by hand all the way to industrial agriculture. And we haven’t reached the end of that road. Climate apps, drones used to protect flora and fauna, autonomous tractors, high-tech combine harvesters and milking robots in cow stalls are all part of the story. Sensors are used to monitor soil tem-peratures in the field and cows’ vital functions. Around one out of three agricultural operations now invest in digital technologies such as precision farming, robotics, sensor technology and networked agricultural systems. Farmers know the benefits of digitalization, particularly how it makes it easier to document production processes, conserve resources, and digitally correlate data on soil and yields to save on fertilizer and pesticides. Without digitalization, it would no longer be possible to supply the growing world population with healthy foods.

FOOD AND WATER FOR BILLIONS: BY 2050, THE EARTH’S POPULATION WILL BE INCHING TOWARD TEN BILLION –

AND OUR NATURAL RESOURCES ARE DWINDLING. CLIMATE CHANGE, EXTREME WEATHER AND URBANIZATION

THREATEN OUR SUPPLIES. THIS IS WHERE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SHOWS OFF ITS REAL STRENGTHS – BY

PROVIDING AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS FOR A RANGE OF DIFFERENT WORK PROCESSES ALONG THE ENTIRE VALUE.

supplying

Cover story I craft!WORK

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networkingMACHINES THAT LEARN LIKE PEOPLE: ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS ARE DESIGNED TO SIMULATE A NETWORK

OF LINKED NEURONS, JUST LIKE THE CELLS IN A HUMAN BRAIN. EVEN MACHINES CAN LEARN FROM EXPERI-

ENCE: TRAINING CHANGES THE STRENGTH OF THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE NEURONS. TODAY, ROBOTS ARE

ALREADY ABLE TO OPEN DOORS ON THEIR OWN.

Dubai is always thinking big. The city is not only the site of the world’s tallest building at 830 meters – Dubai is aiming to be the world’s smartest city as well. By the time the Expo 2020 rolls around, autonomous taxis will be driving tourists through the UAE and police robots will be patrolling the exhibition sites, keeping things safe and secure. But the ‘Smart Dubai’ initiative means more than that. Public services and infrastructures – from health-care services and equipment for schools and universities to transportation and energy systems – are all undergoing intensive networking and digitalization. The aim is to turn Dubai into the happiest city in the world. Some innovations may turn to dust in the wind, but this wealthy desert metropolis has plenty of money available. Dubai is ready and willing to invest in the future.


The era in which we controlled computers using a keyboard and mouse is officially relegated to the past, and systems operated using voice commands and gestures are only an intermediate solution. The future belongs to computers controlled by our thoughts. Even now, such comput-ers are helping people who have a limited range of motion. They can use brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to write e-mails, operate computer voice interfaces and control smart household appli-ances. Electrode caps (see photo) or implants register weak electrical signals in the brain and transmit them to a software. The signals and brainwaves are then analyzed by neuro-logical tests conducted using complex tech-nology. Thanks to self-learning software, which is becoming increasingly accurate at interpreting the brain’s signals, even cars will soon be driven by thought. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is already working on developing neural implants with his company Neuralink. In the near future, Face-book plans to connect directly to the brains of its users. Biomedical ethicist Marcello Lenca from the University of Basel is strictly opposed to this development. He fears that companies could use BCIs to manipulate our thoughts. “The mind serves as a sanctuary for personal freedoms, and advance-ments in neurotechnology threaten our self-deter-mination,” says Lenca. He is demanding new human rights policies to protect cognitive freedom and mental integrity.

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HUMAN INTELLIGENCE LINKS COGNITIVE CAPACITY WITH SENSORIMOTOR CAPABILITIES, AND COMBINES

EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE. ACCORDING TO SCIENTISTS, IT’S THIS AREA IN WHICH ARTIFICIAL

INTELLIGENCE IS WEAK. A COMPUTER CAN SOLVE COMPLEX EQUATIONS WITH EASE, BUT IT CANNOT TEACH

A CHILD TO RIDE A BIKE – AND NO ROBOT CAN EMULATE A HUMAN’S SENSE OF TOUCH.

connecting

When the precision and accuracy of machines are combined with a human’s experience and ability to improvise, good things can be achieved in the field of medicine. Thanks to the meticulous work of robotic hands, we are now able to carry out sensitive operations on the brain and spinal cord, operations that would have been far riskier just a few years ago. Machines can help to save time during long operations, thereby reducing stress on doctors and nurses and preventing errors. Because robots are capable of fine motor operations, surgeries are min-imally invasive and therefore safer for patients. Surgical robots, such as the multi-armed da Vinci System used around the world, are still oper-ated by surgeons using foot pedals and joysticks. They can be controlled from anywhere, whether it’s inside the operating theater or even from another clinic. 3D cameras render images of the surgical site enlarged up to ten times, making it possible to clearly display fine structures such as nerves and blood vessels. The robotic arms can manipulate scalpels, scissors and clamps with more flexibility than any human hand.


ALGORITHMS FOR BETTER DIAGNOSES: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) CAN ACCESS A MASSIVE DATA POOL OF

PATIENT FILES, CLINICS AND STUDIES. SHOULD WE CHOOSE ROBOTS OR DOCTORS? MAYBE BOTH IS BETTER.

ACCORDING TO A UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT STUDY ON THE USE OF AI WITH BREAST CANCER PATIENTS, ERRO-

NEOUS DIAGNOSES SINK TO AN INCOMPARABLE 0.5 PERCENT WHEN HUMANS AND MACHINES WORK IN TANDEM.

healing

Dr. Fübi, be honest: How digital are you already?Let’s say I’m average to good on the digitalization scale: I seek out elements of digitalization that enrich my life and further my own development. But I am always very aware of how I use them and remain very cognizant of my privacy. Naturally, I use a smartphone, smart watch, and tablet. I make sure to carefully consider when and to whom I disclose my personal data.

Some people see digitalization as a threat; to their work, for example. Is that fear justified? It’s understandable that many people see digitalization and artificial intelligence as threats. They believe that robots will replace them and they will lose their jobs. I see things differently. We can leverage the connec-tion between humans and artificial intelligence to boost our productivity. This will provide us humans with more time to focus on other important tasks that would otherwise go neglected. There will always be things that only a human can do, such as feel emotions or act with empathy. On the other hand, there are tasks that machines can implement more efficiently and quickly, such as processing massive volumes of data. Moreover, we can’t forget that digi-talization will create new jobs.

How should companies need prepare to make use of digitalization? In the future, companies with employees that have a wide range of educational backgrounds and who take a bold approach towards progress will meet with success. To put it pointedly: Digitalization isn’t for cowards. More key technical and social competencies and interdisciplinary qualifications will be in demand. Unique skills such as media competency, application expertise, creativity, argumentation aptitude, and basic IT and analytical capabilities will become more important. More than ever, quality, life-long learning and further training will lay the groundwork for com-mercial success and social cohesion. As a large-scale training provider, TÜV Rheinland is already making an important contribution in these areas.

Dr.-Ing. Michael FübiChief Executive Officer TÜV Rheinland

9Interview with Dr.-Ing. Michael Fübi

“It’s Not for Cowards”OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, DIGITALIZATION WILL FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORM THE WAYS IN WHICH WE PROCESS

AND OBTAIN INFORMATION, MAKE DECISIONS, AND INTERACT WITH ONE ANOTHER. ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF

THESE SHIFTS WILL BE GENERAL SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY. THAT BEING SAID, THE ONUS IS ON US, MEANING HUMANS

IN GENERAL, TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IN OUR OWN HANDS AND IMPLEMENT DIGITALIZATION TO OUR BENEFIT.

“ We need to inte-grate the digital evolution into our lives in a meaningful way.”

Picture the future: How will we live in 2050? I’m certain that scientific and technical progress, particu-larly in the realm of robotic systems, will make our lives more secure and even more comfortable. Robots are already taken as a given in the field of industrial manufacturing, and their use is on the rise. Humans are increasingly rely-ing on automated products and systems, such as automatic vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers inside and just outside the household, respectively, driver assistance systems in cars, and various applications in the field of medical tech-nology. As automation continues to progress, we humans must always bear in mind that we can draw on our creativ-ity to create truly new things. That’s what differentiates us from machines.

Showdown in space: The classic film ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ has turned 50, and many of the film’s predictions have yet to come true. But could these fictional scenes someday become reality? Maybe we shouldn’t let it get that far.


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workingRELATIONSHIPTECHNOLOGY CAN SPEAK, IT CAN ACT AUTONOMOUSLY, AND WE ARE GROWING CLOSER TO IT ALL THE

TIME. BUT IS THIS NEW RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN AND MACHINE A BLESSING OR A CURSE? THERE’S

NO ONE CLEAR ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION. WHAT WE DO WITH THE OPPORTUNITIES POSED BY THIS NEW,

SMART WORLD IS ENTIRELY UP TO US.

HAL 9000, the onboard computer of the space-ship Discovery in Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction masterpiece ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ is not exactly a compelling candidate for a successful relationship between humans and

machines. HAL, as the computer is lovingly known by the crew, is certainly intelligent, accurate, self-possessed, omnipotent and emotional, but it is also deadly. HAL’s artificial intelligence was meant to guarantee the voyag-ers’ safe passage to Jupiter. But the system begins to act out in its own self-interest, and when the crew attempts to shut it down, HAL nearly kills them all in order to save itself. This film, considered by many critics as the best science fiction film of all time, was released exactly 50 years ago, and the once futuristic date of 2001 is now 17 years in the past. The future is history and very lit-tle of what the film predicted actually came to pass. At least there aren’t any computers with artificial intelli-gence looking to exact their bloody revenge on our civ-ilization. Kubrick’s film was instrumental in ensuring that advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and digitalization have been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. These attitudes have extended to devel-

opments such as job automation, autonomous vehi-cles, and the use of robotic caregivers. And the question remains: What role should machines play in our lives?

IN FLUX

The fact is, our lives are digitalized more and more each day. The ways in which we consume, work and commu-nicate are changing rapidly, often at dizzying speeds. “A new world is emerging right before our eyes. And today nobody knows what kind of world it’s going to be,” writes philosopher and author Thomas Vašek in his book ‘Digital Human.’ “We are too consumed in this flux to be able to comprehend its full range of implications.” We simultaneously swoon about the potential of artifi-cial intelligence and fear the tyrannical algorithms that reduce humans to data sets. The digital revolution rep-resents both the gateway to new avenues of freedom and creativity as well as the loss of jobs and the supremacy of online companies that control our communication and information. The digital world can be almost anything. That’s what makes it so revolutionary, fascinating, suc-cessful – and frightening. And humans are in the middle


of it all, evaluating and guiding the changes the digi-tal era brings with it. However, all of the initial eupho-ria surrounding these innovative applications, business ideas and new opportunities is finally surrendering to the old political and social notion that technical prog-ress is no end in itself. And even when it comes to digi-talization, we need to remember that technology is there to serve humanity and not the other way around.

DIGITALIZATION AS A JOB KILLER?

Humans are already completely shut out of some digi-tal processes. Fully-automated algorithms trade billions of dollars on the stock market within the space of mil-liseconds. Logistical computers control the transpor-tation of goods around the world and robots are more efficient and precise than humans in the field of man-ufacturing. When programs control programs, humans become superfluous, and that fuels anxiety about the future. However, the number of jobs actually lost to dig-italization is still a matter of some debate. An Oxford University study estimates that automated processes in the United States could eliminate 47 percent of all jobs by 2030, primarily in the fields of finance, admin-istration, logistics, shipping and production. Accord-ing to the technology trade association BITKOM, Ger-many will lose around 3.4 million jobs to robots and algorithms over the next five years. That number could rise to 18 million jobs by 2030 – that’s nearly half of all jobs. But there is also a positive vision of digitali-zation that is not based on economic fears. “Automa-tion and digitalization do not inevitably lead to a loss of jobs,” says Marion Weissenberger-Eibl, innovation researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. In a study of 3,300 European companies, Weissenberg-er-Eibl demonstrated that companies with robotics sys-tems invest just as much in their staff. By increasing efficiency and productivity, they become more compet-itive and draw additional investment, which leads to more jobs in the end. In addition, in countries such as the United States, Japan and Germany, the shortage of specialist personnel and current trend in demographic change seem to contradict the assertion that digitaliza-tion eliminates jobs. The key to ensuring that Society 4.0 is as inclusive as possible is education. Lifelong learn-

ing will become the new norm, enabling people to stay up-to-date with technological developments and remain in step with a flexible, constantly shifting job market. HUMANITY IS REINVENTING ITSELF Even highly-educated specialists and academics will see their jobs done faster and better by intelligent computer programs. But as long as humanity embraces its natu-ral strengths, there will be nothing to fear. There are many things that technology can do just as well as or even better than humans, but technology has its limits, too. What makes humanity unique, and what separates humans from machines? If machines relieve humans of the duty to perform standardized work, there will be more time to concentrate on complex, individual and creative tasks. “In spite of all the advancements in arti-ficial intelligence and self-learning machines, humans still corner the market when it comes to creativity and social interaction. These will be some of the most important skills needed for jobs in the digital age,” says Marion Weissenberger-Eibl. Digitalization gives us the opportunity to emphasize the things that make people special: intuition, empathy, experience, and the ability to react to unexpected situations in creative ways. The future of work will focus on education, care professions, research and development, and art and culture. By tar-geting these types of tasks, we can improve quality of life and innovation in our society. Then, all the difficult, monotonous and dangerous work could be taken over by mindless machines. It would be so simple. On the other hand, machines are also devel-oping into intelligent partners with whom we interact as equals, whether or not they have a human face. The success of voice and gesture controlled systems such as Amazon Echo and Google Assistant show how human our interactions with smart technology have already become. The way we connect to the Internet by saying “Alexa!” or “Hey, Google!” is a new stage in the evolu-tion of the relationship between humans and machines. After all, language and gestures bring emotions into play, too. “We are quick to establish an emotional bond with robots when they seem lifelike, or when we interact with them physically. We give them names, and assign them a gender. Clearly, that’s irrational, but it’s now become a

part of our nature,” says robot ethicist Kate Darling from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kate Darling is critical of this trend. “These data storing machines in our households and pockets are clever enough to manip-ulate our behavior and our opinions. And companies are able to exploit our emotional dependence on these products.” Sure, surveillance cameras, smoke detectors and alarm systems help to control your home by mon-itoring the temperature and protecting you from theft, but they are also collecting masses of intimate, private data. Kate Darling encourages consumers to be responsi-ble about the way they interact with technology, but she also proposes that legal limits be set on smart robots and their human manufacturers, particularly when it comes to data security. Now is the time to decide how we will shape digitalization to help benefit humanity. Thanks to the premiere of the HAL 9000 50 years ago, we already know what to avoid.

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No emotions, no creativity: Robots are still miles away from true parity with humans. And until that time, there’s a lot they can do for us. They relieve us of dangerous and monot-onous work, and raise productivity.

Education is the key to success in a digital society. Cross-disciplinary dig-ital skills are becoming increasingly valuable on the job market.

Computer, can you hear me? Voice control is smashing down yet another major barrier between humans and machines.

“The problem is not that the robots could turn against us. It’s far more important that we find out what happens to us when we interact with them.”

Robot ethicist Kate Darling with social robot ‘Pleo.’

Darling observes the way we treat robots like pets,

or even fellow humans. Should robots have rights like

animals and humans do?


The boundary between humans and machines continues to dissolve: We interact with digital assistants as a mat-ter of course, and they know more about us than our human partners. They are

intimately acquainted with our schedules and they know the color of our favorite pants and even our favorite dish at the restaurant we like to go to. The amount of trust we invest in our smart technol-ogy and robots is not always particularly rational or well-considered. Kate Darling is fascinated by this phenomenon. Darling, a lawyer and Doctor of Sciences, and self-titled ‘Mistress of Machines’, researches the impact of robotic technology on our society, and explores the legal, social and ethical ramifications of these dynamics. “The problem is not that the robots could turn against us,” says Kate Darling. “It’s far more important that we find out what happens to us when we interact with them.”

CONFERRING HUMAN TRAITS ON ROBOTS

Kate Darling has watched people give names to their vacuum cleaner robots and feel sorry for them when they get trapped behind furniture. In another experiment, test subjects refused to destroy little dinosaur robots with which they had previ-ously interacted. One participant even removed the

battery so that her dinosaur wouldn’t feel any pain. Although the rational mind knows that machines do not have feelings and can simply be switched off, many people sympathize with them and treat them as if they were alive. They feel an ethical imperative toward these programmed, seemingly autonomous objects. According to Darling, it doesn’t matter how intelligent a machine is or what it is capable of. Our empathy, and the behavior that results from those feelings, can be easily manipulated by technology and those who control that technology – whether their intentions are good or bad. However, even in the face of her justifiable skepticism, Darling advo-cates the use of anthropomorphic technology for emotional support and enrichment in our lives. Robots have already been shown to be successful in enhancing therapeutic treatment for autistic children and providing social support for senior citizens in care facilities. “Instead of rejecting them outright, we should design them to help us and be responsible about the way we interact with them,” says Kate Darling. As a lawyer, she is also in favor of laws that regulate the way we build and handle these robots. The goal is not to give rights to robots, says the expert in robot ethics. The point is to take a good long look at how effectively robots can learn, what their capabilities are, and what kinds of functions they carry out.

15

True Love?!ROBOTS ARE HER PASSION – DR. KATE DARLING, ROBOT ETHICIST AT THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE

OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT) AND HARVARD IN THE UNITED STATES, ASKS WHY WE DEVELOP STRONG

EMOTIONAL BONDS WITH LIFELIKE MACHINES.

Frank Weimbs has just returned from Japan. He wanted to make a personal appearance for the premiere of one of his instruments at a chapel in Kyoto. The Weimbs family has been building organs since 1927, but

hearing a new organ for the first time is always spe-cial. Organs are massive, complex, expensive instru-ments that may seem anachronistic when you con-sider the possibilities of digital audio processing. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In Germany alone, around 400 organ builders employ more than 2,800 people, and no church or concert hall would be complete without the sound of a hand-crafted organ. “Each organ is one-of-a-kind, and each is spe-cifically crafted for the space in which it will one day be played,” says Frank Weimbs.But Weimbs uses advanced technology, too. Three-dimensional visualizations help him to plan and design organs for specific spaces. Computer-con-trolled cutters and drills create precise shapes in wood and pipes. “Computers help us to work more efficiently and stay one step ahead of the competi-tion, but most importantly, they help us to build bet-ter instruments,” says Weimbs. Acoustics programs simulate the final sound and simplify the process of tuning hundreds of pipes on location, a procedure which can take weeks. The mechanical parts of older organs have largely been replaced by electronic com-

ponents. With today’s organs, the keys are no longer connected to cables. When the organist presses a key, an electric motor operates the stops that regulate the airflow to the pipes. Some modern organs can even be operated via an app. But these playback organs are missing the human touch, says Frank Weimbs. “The organist determines the sound and the effect of the organ. Organists play for the congregation and the choir – sometimes faster and sometimes slower. A computer can’t do that.” Maybe it’s this intuitive interaction between the organist, the instrument and the singers that makes organ music so moving. BETWEEN BONE GLUE AND COMPUTERS

German organ manufacturers have their zeal for new innovation to thank for their worldwide suc-cess. Of course, that innovation must be coupled with training, experience and creativity. An organ builder must be as adept with bone glue as he or she is with programmable components. “We have to achieve the right mix of tradition and modern tech-nology. We have employees who would keep every last woodworm of an old organ, and we have oth-ers who are crazy about new technology. What we all have in common is a sense of curiosity and the desire to continuously improve our instruments,” says Frank Weimbs.


SoundSCAPEORGAN CRAFTSMANSHIP AND MUSIC HAVE A CENTURIES-LONG TRADITION IN GERMANY, A TRADI-

TION WHICH WAS INSCRIBED IN UNESCO’S LIST OF THE WORLD’S INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE IN

2017. FRANK WEIMBS COMBINES HISTORICAL CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY. IN THE

TOWN OF HELLENTHAL, LOCATED IN GERMANY’S EIFEL REGION, WEIMBS MANUFACTURES ORGANS FOR

CHURCHES AND CONCERT HALLS AROUND THE WORLD.

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“Computers help us to work more efficiently and stay one step ahead of the competition, but most importantly, they help us to build better instruments.”

Organ builder Frank

Weimbs runs the family

company, which is now

in its fourth generation.

“It’s important that we don’t let

the digital revolu-tion just happen

on its own.”

Prof. Dr. Marion A.

Weissenberger-Eibl heads the

Fraunhofer Institute for Sys-

tems and Innovation Research

(ISI) and serves as chair of the

Institute for Entrepreneurship,

Technology Management and

Innovation (ENTECHNON)

at the Karlsruhe Institute

of Technology (KIT).


Get smart!INNOVATION RESEARCHER

MARION A. WEISSENBERGER-EIBL ON THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE AND THE

ROLE OF DIGITAL EDUCATION.

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Ms. Weissenberger-Eibl, is digitalization a job killer?A study conducted by the Fraunhofer ISI shows that digitalization offers many advantages for the job market. Every year, between 500 and 550 companies that employ digitalization technology relocate their production processes to Germany. That creates new jobs. In fact, many experts today are predicting that employment won’t drop, but the entire profile of the work we do may be in for a dramatic shift. Classic permanent positions will become less common in the future. They will be replaced by atypical employment models such as intrapreneurships and new forms of work such as the outsourcing of partial tasks traditionally assigned within organizations to voluntary Inter-net users (crowdsourcing). That applies to both high and low-skill positions. Digitalization will have an enormous impact on our economy. This could lead to the creation of more micro-sized enterprises in Germany than ever before, which in turn could change the basic struc-ture of our economy.

Will we be competing with robots? Technical actors won’t replace human workers, they will make human jobs easier. This could help people to increase their productivity. In the future, standard robots will be able to move around freely and adapt to help people carry out their tasks, for example, if the work to be com-pleted is dangerous or if fine dexterity is required. In the field of medicine, for example, nanorobots may be used to distribute medicines throughout the human body. Studies show that this increases efficiency while generating completely new and attractive fields of work, and, by the same token, creating jobs.

What kinds of qualifications will ‘Work 4.0’ require?Traditional qualities such as curiosity, reliability, ambition and good organizational skills will no longer be sufficient for success in the workplace of the future. It will become increasingly important for workers to market their own skills – ideally on the Internet – in order to attract the interest of companies. Potential employees will need to

strengthen their basic universal digital skills and older employees must prepare themselves to meet the challenges of the digital job market. In a highly-connected economy, value creation processes could be divided into ever smaller units, and companies would flexibly allocate these indi-vidual tasks to external service providers. In the future, this connection could be a decisive factor in the success of a person’s career. Of course, a certain level of digital expertise is required, and these skills are often lacking.

So what do we do?Education is the key to success. We have to work now to lay the groundwork that will give people the chance to actively shape the digitalization process – and ensure that the future of work is a bright one. It’s important that we don’t let the

digital revolution just happen on its own. By 2030, work processes could be far more homogeneous than they are today. Many tasks along the boundaries between human and machine interaction will become increasingly similar, making it possible for employ-ees to work across different industries, and rendering basic digital skills a necessity. This will require us to adjust

the way we look at education, which is currently focused on specialization and expert knowledge. The most important thing is that we learn to understand our creativity, our problem-solving skills, and our ability to communicate and interact as core assets. The goal is to take advantage of all of the potential digitalization has to offer.

How can companies respond?Last but not least, the increasing shortage of skilled specialists should motivate companies to train their employees instead of going through the long and expensive process of recruiting new personnel. Companies should help to foster development in their own workforce, particularly for unskilled and semi-skilled workers, by creating specialized qualification mechanisms to help pre-pare them for the digital future. That would allow companies to take advantage of the collected knowledge and user experiences of its employees, qualities which should not be underestimated.

“Education is the key

to success. That makes

it possible to harness

and take advantage of

opportunities.”

20 Cover Story | craft!WORK

“THERE’S NO NEED TO BE SCARED OF ROBOTS or artificial intelligence,” says Joanne Pransky, the world’s first robotic psy-chiatrist. To clarify – Pransky doesn’t serve robots as a therapist. Instead, the American robotics expert sees herself as a mediator between engineers, manufacturers, and the general public. Her goal is to humanize technology and dispel fears about a robot revolution. In her opinion, these fears are ungrounded. She would like people to see robots for what they are: digital service provid-ers that might occasionally malfunction for reasons attributable to man.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DR. METIN SITTI, THE MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS IN STUTTGART, GERMANY,

IS CARRYING OUT RESEARCH ON TINY NANOBOTS. IN THE FUTURE, THESE WILL SUPPLY MEDICATION TO EVERY PART OF THE HUMAN

BODY AND EVEN PERFORM OPERATIONS. THESE MICROROBOTS COULD EVEN MAKE DIFFICULT-TO-ACCESS PARTS OF THE HUMAN BODY

ACCESSIBLE FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPY.

Fatal Error: Fearing Robots

Powerful Patterns

ALGORITHMS QUIETLY GUIDE OUR LIVES – BUT WHO’S CON-TROLLING THEM? Algorithms record our clicks, so they know what makes us tick. They determine which content we see on social media networks. They also help banks decide when to extend lines of credit and assist companies with hiring processes. The way in which algo-rithms work is a well-guarded trade secret. In that sense, they aren’t at all transparent. Companies argue that algorithms are discreet and non-discriminatory. Consumer protection experts, however, are calling for TÜV to carry out independent, state-certified algorithm inspec-tions to review the decision-making processes in which algorithms are involved. Adding fuel to the fire is the latest Facebook scandal: American users’ data fell into the hands of Cambridge Analytica, and a company which appears to have influenced millions of users with illegal election advertising for Donald Trump.

The question is: Who’s testing whom?

The world’s first robotic psychiatrist: Joanne Pransky believes that, thanks

to artificial intelligence, robots will be able to learn from human environments in the near future.

Testing:74% complete

21

Digital Understudies

THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN MAN AND MACHINE ARE BLURRING, AND THIS IS PERHAPS MOST DEEPLY FELT IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. Films such as Star Wars and Wonder Woman wouldn’t be possible without digitalization – more specifically, CGI (computer-generated images). CGI is used, for instance, to depict spaceship interiors and other extraordinary environments with the help of computers. But that’s not all it can do: It also helps real actors bring digital characters to life. Actors are covered from head to toe in little dots as they perform on empty soundstages. CGI experts take these dots as reference points to recreate the movements of the actors’ faces and bodies, which are then transferred to the characters created on a computer. The result: A lifelike animated figure that can’t be distinguished from a ‘real’ one on the big screen.

Atlas, a two-legged robot by Boston Dynamics, is 1.80 meters tall and weighs in at 150 kilo-grams. He’s also the first robot in the world that can do backflips.

Lupita Nyong‘o during the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The dots on her face are filmed by a camera. As soon as she speaks or changes her facial expression, the dots move. Her computer-animated counter-part perfectly replicates these movements.

ROBOTS THAT LOOK LIKE HUMANS AND WHICH CAN RUN AND CLIMB STAIRS HAVE LONG BEEN A REALITY IN SCIENCE FICTION MOVIES. They used to be restricted to that realm – until now. In ‘real life,’ robots can primarily be found on production lines, such as the ones used for automotive manufacturing. Many researchers have worked in vain to create self-propelling machines that can run or move past obstacles – until now. Boston Dynamics has charted new territory with its robots. They have names like Atlas, BigDog, and SandFlea, and they all have one thing in common: They bring robots one step closer to acting like humans do in our everyday lives. The research models made in Massachusetts can climb stairs, run around on flat terrain, and jump eight meters from a standing position. They can also open doors. The last of these capabilities represents the holy grail of robotics, which all other companies have failed to attain until now. Moreover, the latest Boston Dynamics robotic being, Handle, is even more anthropomorphic than his predecessors. He can lift loads of up to 45 kilograms with his two arms and move forwards across flat ground at a speed of up to 15 kilometers per hour.

Digital Gymnastics

Most people want to live in their own home as long as they are able to. Smart assistants help ensure that persons in need of nursing assistance can live at home longer than is currently possible. They also relieve strain on the nursing care infra-structure, since outpa-tient care involves fewer personnel than inpatient care does.

Increasing life expectancy coupled with low birthrates is one of the reasons why the range of nursing care services currently on offer is already too low

to cover demand, particularly in Europe. This problem will only worsen in the future – and quite drastically, at that. In Germany alone, there will be over a mil-lion more individuals in need of care by 2030, representing an increase of 34 per-

cent over the current figure. Addressing this massive demand would require at least 480,000 additional full-time nursing care providers, representing an increase of over 60 percent. However, smart devices and systems that help nursing care recip-ients more efficiently or which help them to acquire a greater degree of indepen-dence could close the massive, looming gap between supply and demand.

The Value ofSmart ConnectionsTHE NUMBER OF NETWORKED, SMART DEVICES IN USE IS CONSTANTLY INCREASING.

THEY SAVE ENERGY AND MAKE HOUSEHOLDS SAFER AND MORE COMFORTABLE.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, THOUGH, THESE TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS CAN BE KEY TO

MASTERING CHALLENGES POSED BY DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE.

OUTPATIENT CARE: THE IDEAL SOLUTION

22 Smart Nursing Care

20182005 2025 2030

3,000,0002.1

mil

lion

3.8

mil

lion

4.1

mil

lion

95%

incr

ease

INPATIENT CARE OUTPATIENT CARE

25%

75%

Sour

ce: N

ursi

ng H

ome

Ratin

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port

201

7

1

3

2

4

GROWING SUPPLY/DEMAND GAP ASSISTED INDEPENDENCE

ROBOTS: THE NEW ELEMENT HUMANS ARE IRREPLACEABLE

STATUS IN 2018Germany 2005–2030

TWO EXTREMES: GERMANY AND INDIA

23

STATUS IN 2018 STATUS IN 2018OUTLOOK FOR 2030Germany Germany

In 2015, there were around 126 million people over the age of 80 worldwide. In 2040, there will be 300 million (+141%).

1. Japan2. Italy3. Greece4. Spain 5. France6. Portugal7. Germany

THE WORLD’S POPULATION IS RAPIDLY AGING

STATUS IN 1990

Percentage of the population over the age of 80

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

STATUS IN 2015 OUTLOOK FOR 2040

Germany Europe Worldwide

For each person in need of care, there

are currently over four people who would

be able to provide it. In 2030, there will be

fewer than two poten-tial care providers per person in need

of care.

MANY PEOPLE IN NEED OF CARE – FEW PEOPLE TO PROVIDE IT

Probability of the need for care

The 20 countries with the greatest propor-tion of inhabitants aged over 80 are all located in Europe, with the exception of the country that leads this list: Japan.

50 %75 %

STATUS IN 2018

13.3%

66.1%

20.6%

Germany India

29.7%

64.9%

5.4%

12.4%

56.4%

31.2%

Germany India

21.3%

68.0%

10.7%

OUTLOOK FOR 2040Germany India

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ww

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201

7

15–64 years old > 64 years old0–14 years old


Society is aging, demand for nursing

care is increasing, and there is less and less

nursing care personnel available. Technical

assistants could help to resolve this dilemma.

25

For instance, sensors can be installed to detect when residents leave their homes. Then all the lights in the home are auto-matically turned off, the heating is turned down and the shutters on the windows are

rolled down. This form of ambient assisted living (AAL) – which essentially involves smart devices providing intuitive, independent assistance – has virtually become the norm. According to the market research company Gartner, by 2022, there will be around 500 IoT-driven devices present in every typ-ical American household to support residents with their everyday lives. Moreover, the performance – and, therefore, effectiveness – of these devices will increase rapidly. Trend researcher Michael Carl is convinced that, after 2030, systems and devices will be created without a platform that programs and controls them. “The real revolution won’t lie in the new IoT products themselves, some of which we can’t even imagine yet. Instead, it will lie in the way in which they communicate,” says Günter Martin, an IoT expert at TÜV Rheinland. “Devices will introduce themselves to each other and collab-orate – just like people do.”

CAMERAS, SENSORS AND MICROPHONES

Around 800,000 people in Germany currently use an emergency call system in their home. This

involves a portable remote button that users push to call for assistance in emergencies. Portable sys-tems that automatically detect and report falls or fall sensors installed directly in floors have long surpassed these types of systems – and even these are no longer cutting-edge. For example, the Philips CareSage system analyzes user behavior. “When, for instance, a person in need of care suddenly presses the emergency call button merely to test if it really works, that could be a sign that their state of health has declined. There is statistical evidence to indi-cate that this change in behavior is, in fact, typ-ically followed by an increase in the likelihood of falling,” says Sören Platten, who works at the Philips Care Competence Center. “Our algorithm indicates the statistical probability with which a fall will occur, and can pass on this information to a doctor or nursing service.” CIBEK’s Paul system works in a similar way; it incorporates elements such as cameras that detect motion patterns in a house or apartment and report deviations from reg-ular patterns. In the future, cameras, microphones and sensors will work in concert with smart devices to ensure that persons in need of nursing care will be able to live at home for longer. They will detect critical situations, measure body temperature, and analyze gestures as well as behavior. Assistants will automatically know what to do. In cases of doubt, they will simply ask questions such as: ‘Should I

THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT), WHICH CONSISTS OF SMART DEVICES NETWORKED WITH ONE

ANOTHER, IS MAINLY USED IN PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. WITHIN A

FEW YEARS, THE IOT WILL BECOME OMNIPRESENT. IN PARTICULAR AMBIENT ASSISTED LIVING, WHICH

IS BASED ON ASSISTANT SYSTEMS TARGETED FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, WILL REVOLUTIONIZE LIVES –

ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE IN NEED OF CARE.

A Call for (R)evolution

25

1

3

2

4




More than you think!SMART DEVICES ARE BECOMING VOICE-

ACTIVATED AND STARTING TO LEARN INDE-

PENDENTLY, SO IT’S LOGICAL THAT, IN THE

FUTURE, TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS WILL BE

ABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY MOVE, TOUCH AND

GRASP. INTELLIGENT ROBOTS ARE THE RESULT

OF CONSISTENT DEVELOPMENT: THEY LEND

A NEW DIMENSION TO SMARTPHONES.

Inpatient care calls for a large number of helping hands. In the future, these hands could be of a mechanical nature. Nursing care staff cover long distances as part of their duties, and heavy lifting is also a staple of their work. As a result, back pain forces many nursing personnel into early retirement. Moreover, caring for bedridden patients often requires several care providers to work in tandem. Robots in nursing homes could provide valuable assistance in this regard, as well as with other tasks – from simple inpatient care, to managing digital medical records, to providing assistance with hygiene. Patients’ level of acceptance for these assistants is increasing. Surveys have indicated that the majority of Japanese and Germans would rather receive support from robots than from humans in matters of hygiene if care were to become necessary.

open the window?’ or ‘Are you OK?,’ or make state-ments such as ‘You should drink something,’ or ‘You still haven’t taken your blood pressure medication.’ “Technical assistants asking these kinds of questions or making these kinds of recommendations will soon be a part of everyday life,” says Martin. Incorporat-ing voice control, which constitutes the social inter-action between users and systems, will allow users to fully overcome their existing reservations about smart technology – complicated system control and opera-tion, currently common concerns, will no longer be an issue. Whether they would like to call family mem-bers or a doctor, place an order for groceries, or select which TV channel to watch, users will simply have to voice their desires out loud inside their own home, and technology will take care of the rest.

SUBCUTANEOUS ASSISTANCE

Highly versatile developments are on the horizon. For example, there are already blood sugar level sensors on the market that are implanted subcutaneously. Patients – and, if desired, their doctors – read out their blood sugar level through an app. This saves them the trouble of having to make injections to check their blood sugar. Smart blood sugar level sensors will soon also be able to control pumps and independently adjust insulin levels within the body whenever required. Similarly, additional sensors will be devel-oped that provide implantees with the precise dos-age of the required medication at the right time – for example, for chronic pain therapy. Smart medication dispensers in all kinds of different designs are already available to take over this function. There is also a wide range of care-oriented, automated household equipment on the market: from automated height-ad-justable kitchens and control systems to beds that can transform into wheelchairs. “There are countless exciting projects out there. But the goal shouldn’t be to equip a home with technology just because it’s possible,” says Platten. “We shouldn’t focus on new possibilities, but rather on solving problems. In other words, we need to see which systems truly help people in need of care, and which ones they accept as well.”

MEDICAL AND NURSING CARE TASKS

Paving the way for the future through testing

27

You can manually lower blinds – or control them electrically with a switch, which is a far more convenient option. Naturally, there is also the option to control them via smartphone or tablet. Simply push a button and the mechanics go into full swing, regardless of where you, the user, are located. At present, voice-activated controls and assistants are flooding households, workplaces, and public institutions, replacing all smartphone functions as they do so. In the future, robots will be able to easily, independently carry out these func-tions. Moreover, they have a key advantage: They can actively, physically support their owners.

Cleaning and vacuuming will soon become things of the past. Pioneering models of future generations of robots are already available, in the form of lawn-mowing and vacuum-clean-ing assistants. These will rapidly further develop and eventually take over all housekeeping duties – from doing laundry, to watering flowers, to doing groceries and preparing food. These robots will also open up a whole realm of new possibilities for persons in need of care; these individuals often struggle to fulfill everyday housekeeping tasks and therefore feel they have no choice but to move into an inpatient care facility.

CENTRALIZED, MOBILE AND INDEPENDENTLY ACTING VOICE-ACTIVATED ASSISTANTS

1

3

2

4



HOUSEKEEPING


More Time for Human Connections

SÖREN PLATTEN IS THE HEAD OF

THE VIRTUALLY ASSISTED LIVING

DEPARTMENT AT PHILIPS. AS PART

OF HIS DUTIES, HE SEEKS OUT SMART

SOLUTIONS FOR THE NURSING CARE

MARKET. HE SAYS THAT TECHNOLOGY

WILL NOT REPLACE PEOPLE IN THE

FUTURE. ON THE CONTRARY: HE FEELS

THAT IT WILL SUPPORT AN EMPHASIS

ON HUMAN CONNECTION.

Sören Platten wants to primarily use technical assistants to gather information and thereby relieve workloads for nursing care personnel.

29

Mr. Platten, what do you focus on in your work?As we see it, it’s essential that human interaction remains the most important aspect of nursing care. However remains, we believe that the entire process can be supplemented with technology.

What might that entail?Our approach to ambient assisted living focuses on collecting infor-mation to help people live in their own homes for longer. There are countless AAL model projects and trials underway. For example, there are sample homes equipped with all kinds of technology to demonstrate what’s possible. However, nobody has succeeded yet in implementing it all in a scalable way.

What would make this successful?That would mean developing a model that people accept. We want to create a comprehen-sive solution. To date, there have been a lot of targeted, specific approaches – devices that help people with particular things. We want to com-bine all of these approaches so that a person in need of care would not have to leave their home, thanks to the interplay of nursing care and tech-nical support.

Philips has developed solutions such as smart emergency call systems with algo-rithms. You have also developed devices that help users dose their medication. Those are targeted, specific solutions.That’s true. Now, however, we want to converge the information from our devices and systems in a bundled, local way – into what we call a ‘care office’. The idea is for us to equip existing homes with the corresponding technical assistants. The information these gather will no longer flow into a call center in a decentralized manner, but rather into an on-site care office. Care could then

be quickly provided from that point – ideally, care should be available for a residential block or neighborhood within walking distance. Of course, the care office would also be open to visitors. The people who work there (we call them ‘carers’) could even be acquaintances of the

people receiving care. By setting up these care offices, we would succeed in establishing a sense of personal closeness with technical aids that would otherwise only be possible in assisted living sce-narios or care homes.

That concept might work in urban settings. But rural areas are the ones with a rapidly aging population. In those places, will technology such as robots replace people in nursing care services one day?I’m thoroughly convinced that people will always remain at the heart of nursing care, regardless of the location. After all, everyone desires human proximity and social contact, and that won’t change in the next 30 years, either. Social interaction is already one of the most important services that nursing care providers offer. Technology will ensure that there’s more time for people to provide care.

Even in rural areas?Technological aids are particularly important in places that are sparsely populated – already just for communication purposes. And if all of the information from a community is compiled in a care office, the care providers there will work so efficiently that they will have more time to spend with those in need of care. For example, all manual care documentation will be elimi-nated, since technology will take this over. In my opinion, nursing care revolves around a person coming to other people to provide care for them, and that will never change.

WE WANT TO BRING THE

BENEFITS OF ASSISTED

LIVING TO PEOPLE IN

THEIR OWN HOMES.

1

3

2

4



THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS BREAKING WITH THE PAST WITH A REVOLUTIONARY

DIGITAL PROCESS: BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING TRANSFORMS BLUEPRINTS INTO

WALK-THROUGH SIMULATIONS, WHILE PROVIDING ALL INFORMATION ON MATERIALS,

DEADLINES AND COSTS. THE AIM IS TO PROVIDE MORE PLANNING SECURITY FOR LARGER-

SCALE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

30 Building Information Modeling

Take a Peek First

Are you already working on your plans, or are you still just dreaming away? The construction industry sees the many possibilities opening up to it through digitalization.

31

Until recently, virtual reality (VR) headsets were considered little more than another accessory in the enter-tainment industry. These ‘3D glasses’ transform conceptual worlds into real-

ity, inviting dreamers to dream even bigger. Now, the construction industry has co-opted them for planning activities. Manfred Kölbl, head of sales in plant engineering at Caverion, points out, “Architects are now able to use VR headsets to walk through 3D models of projects they plan. It enables them to better visualize the aesthetics of their projects and check the functional planning for defects.” Caverion, a German subsidiary of the Finnish group offering building and industrial services headquartered in Munich, is involved in modernizing the Congress Center Hamburg, which will be renovated and entirely revamped by 2019 when it reopens to the public. Manfred Kölbl is sure of one thing: “Building Information Modeling (BIM) will permanently change the construction industry.”

MORE CONTROL OVER THE CONSTRUCTION SITE

Information is exchanged and shared along ‘ana-log’ channels in many places, meaning from con-tractor to architect, from structural engineer to construction company and the craft companies. There is a risk of something getting lost each time information is passed along. But not with BIM – the solution provides a digital means enabling every participant to have access to the data. Each and every change made to the blueprints is made visible in an update to all participants. The experts describe the aim of BIM as follows: “Everyone working on a construction project will have access to a shared set of data, which is constantly updated and includes costs and time-frames. It provides more transparency for the complex and closely linked workflows on the con-struction site.” The VR headset provides more vis-ibility, but it’s only one of many possibilities for using the dataset. This data will be accessible for all in real-time in a common file format, enabling each participant to view the data in their choice of CAD system. However, it is currently still sus-ceptible to some information loss. Speaking about these vexing problems, Kölbl explains, “There is a multitude of visualization programs available, and at the same time, the depth of detail for a file format still needs to be further developed and standardized. This way, everyone can actually use

all the information and see all the changes that have been made.” Digitalization on construction sites in Germany is still in its infancy, whereas BIM enjoys widespread application in the Nordic countries and the U.S.

TEST RUNS FOR PILOT PROJECTS

Infrastructure projects such as the Berlin–Bran-denburg International airport that have run into many snags prompted a reform commission to be convened in 2015. Experts from business, aca-demia and politics raised their voices in favor of greater usage of digital capabilities. After-ward, the Ministry of Transportation initiated a test phase that will last until 2020. By that date, all public construction projects will have to be implemented using BIM. Private companies such as Deutsche Bahn are already incorporating BIM as a condition in their tenders for smaller proj-ects. More complex projects such as the railway construction projects for the Rastatt tunnel and the Filstalbrücke bridge have also been included in the test phase proposed by the Ministry of Transportation. But digitalization is still in need of further optimization if it is used in construc-tion projects. Michael Reichmann, construction specialist at TÜV Rheinland, emphasizes, “There is still a great need for norms and standards in terms of the underlying data.”

SMES IN NEED OF COACHING

Michael Reichmann doesn’t feel that the larg-est obstacle is technology. He sees more need to include BIM in the curricula of continuing and vocational training programs. The construction industry employs around seven million work-ers in Germany. SMEs with skilled craftsmen, in particular, greatly lack this knowledge. Michael Reichmann adds, “We are preparing these com-panies and offering certification courses for BIM skills.” There are big changes in store, especially for SMEs. “These smaller companies with skilled craftsmen need to pay more and more attention to digitalization.” Acknowledging the broad divide in implementing BIM, Reichmann continues, “They need to develop an affinity for new technol-ogies, despite being skilled craftsmen through and though.” Nevertheless, the dream of digitali-zation is gaining trac-tion.

NOISE IS CONSIDERED TO BE UNWANTED SOUND. AND IT IS OFTEN A NUISANCE, ESPECIALLY AT

A PUBLIC EVENT. EVENT ORGANIZERS NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE NOISE PROTECTION GUIDELINES

OF THE RESPECTIVE GERMAN STATE IN ORDER TO APPEAL TO PARTY-LOVING GUESTS WITHOUT

DISTURBING THE PEACE OF NEIGHBORS.

Much Ado about Noise

Any biker will tell you: The hum of their motorcycle’s engine is like music to their ears. However, someone going out for a stroll will see things differently when their eardrums discern the clatter of the

exhaust pipe. The local evening concert is perceived differently by the people living near the market square. For some, it’s a welcome listening experience, while for others, it’s a nuisance. Everyone reacts differ-ently to noise. It is a fact that annoying or loud noises can trigger stress in people and long-term exposure causes illness. Noise has even led to scuffles at sporting events and in leisure time activities in many places. It’s not uncommon for these county fairs, open-air concerts and sporting events to take place in the evening, on the weekend, and even on public holidays. Generally, at a time when people want to do only one thing: relax.

KEEP IT DOWN!

Benjamin Stage is a specialist for sound insulation at TÜV Rheinland and knows that “there are also noise protection guidelines in Germany to evalu-ate the noise levels in these instances.” They estab-lish the framework for protecting the quiet hours in the morning and evening, as well as the noon-time hours on Sundays and public holidays. How-ever, these guidelines enable exceptions to be made to these quiet hours, such as during a traditional festival like a traveling fair or special events like a town’s anniversary celebration. “These are examples of occasions when neighbors need to accept higher levels of noise pollution. Still, there are limits that cannot be exceeded,” continues Stage. Decibels are

the unit of measurement, regardless of whether it is a concert in the historic downtown area, a street soccer tournament or a block party. And the level of noise is measured at the resident’s window, while open, at a distance of 50 centimeters. Generally, the level cannot exceed 35 decibels in zoned residential neigh-borhoods. Sometimes there can be up to 55 decibels for events, which is the sound of a normal to loud conversation at a distance of one meter.

TAKE THE MEASUREMENTS BEFORE CELEBRATING

Benjamin Stage heads a team of experts who develops a forecasted sound level report and a noise level sur-vey for city authorities or event organizers. He and his team prepare a highly accurate model of the area in question. Take, for example, a medieval festival in a city’s historic downtown area. Stage’s team depicts all buildings in the vicinity in topography-based mod-eling, including all sources of noise such as stages, speakers, beer tents, delivery access routes, and park-ing lots. “In this manner, we can precisely calculate the direction in which to angle the loudspeakers or the permitted level for the music onstage in order to stay within the threshold values. By the way, modern stage equipment can even help reduce the noise levels to some extent,” adds Stage. The event organizers and stage equipment companies can use these surveys and reports to apply for permits for the events, while lessening the nuisance for neighbors. However, even the expert knows, “It’s a whole other issue whether the DJs stick to the levels. Sometimes it’s necessary to intervene on-site again.”

32 Noise

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33eCall

CARS THAT CAN AUTOMATICALLY TRIGGER A PHONE CALL IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT? IT MAY

SOUND LIKE SCIENCE-FICTION, BUT THE TECHNOLOGY IS ALREADY LIVED REALITY. A LABORATORY FOR

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY TESTING IN LUND, SWEDEN, IS CURRENTLY TESTING THE ECALL CHIP TO

SEE IF IT WILL WORK PROPERLY IN A CRASH.

AUTOmatic CALL SYSTEM

The E.U. has made installation of the eCall system mandatory as of 1 April, 2018. The legislation calls for all new passenger vehicles and lightweight commercial vehicles (3.5 met-ric tons or less) to be equipped with this auto-

matic emergency call system, or eCall, from that date forward. An emergency call will be triggered automati-cally if the vehicle is involved in a crash. A GPS-enabled SIM card in the vehicle will send a text message, trans-mitting the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, and number of passengers to the nearest emergency response center. It enables emergency response crews to react more quickly and provide first aid to the injured people. The E.U. mandated the introduc-tion of this SIM card for emergency pur-poses to improve first aid measures after an accident occurs and minimize the number of traffic fatalities. Anders Nordlöf, head of the new test laboratory for wireless technol-ogies of TÜV Rheinland Sweden in Lund, emphasizes, “The automatic emergency call system is an effective tool for saving lives.” The SIM card-based system is meant to save lives; however, it will not record the motorist’s moves. The eCall system is only activated in the event of an accident. Nordlöf explains, “Automobile manufac-turers are able to test the eCall functional-ity in our wireless test lab.”

WIRELESS EXPERTS AT THE CRASH-TEST FACILITY

The eCall system is connected to the standard package of safety equipment installed in vehi-cles such as airbags and belt tensioners. These systems automatically signal the emergency call system to send a message when a sudden impact is detected. There are two stages of testing for the emergency call module. In the first stage, the wireless experts test the functionality of the eCall components in the lab in Sweden. Nordlöf’s

team uses special shielded chambers in Lund in which they can check the wireless connection of the individual components. The Swedish team also tests the accuracy of the GPS receiver. In the second stage, the TÜV Rheinland crew tests the eCall system after it has been installed in a vehicle. This test takes place outside of the confines of the lab at a crash-test facility or at the customer’s prem-ises. The crash test results show whether the sensors work properly and the SIM card is able to send the emergency call in a ‘real-world’ situation. “Automobile manufactur-ers are increasingly asking us about it. Our team goes to the customer’s premises and checks whether the sensors

will work in an accident by detecting it properly, sending an emergency message, and establishing a voice connection to the control center,” states Nordlöf.

CONNECTED VEHICLES

Tire air-pressure sensors, parking assistance systems, maintenance via software update: eCall is but one of many steps toward the modern connected car. With a view to the future of the Internet of Things, Anders Nordlöf says, “The next step will be taken when vehicles commu-nicate with one another. The eCall would then not only send the emergency call upon impact, it would also warn other vehicles in the imme-

diate vicinity.” He adds, “The devices surrounding us will increasingly become more connected. We are an active part of this trend in technology today and our tests and certifications ensure that the networks meet the standards and that they are safe for people and the environment.” TÜV Rheinland is expanding its global commitment to the wireless tech busi-ness with the laboratory in Sweden. This means the independent provider of testing services now has five testing labs for wireless technology in Europe, with more than 15 sites in the world.

eCall automatically sends an emergency call and helps emergency response crews to prepare for their work.

34 Magnetic Resonance Measurement

The Old SwitcherooPEOPLE FIND ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CARS TO BE A FUN PAST-TIME AND

POPULAR INVESTMENT. HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF FAKE CARS ENTERING

THE LUCRATIVE MARKET OF CLASSIC CARS HAS JUMPED DRASTICALLY.

TÜV RHEINLAND IS TAKING THE BATTLE TO THE STREETS, SO TO SPEAK.

A vehicle identification number (VIN) uniquely iden-tifies every vehicle.

Wolfgang Beltracchi is likely the most famous German forger in the world of art. He would make new paintings applying the style of great

artists like Max Ernst, Max Pechstein and Henri Matisse. One of his forgeries ‘Rotes Bild mit Pferden’ (Red Picture with Horses), which was assumed to be an artwork by Heinrich Camp-endonk, sold for 2.9 million. Although Beltrac-chi had little to do with classic cars, Sebastian Hoffmann, head of the Classic Competence department at the TÜV Rheinland subsidiary FSP, often mentions art forgeries in general and especially this forger’s work when he describes his own job. He and business partner Fabian Ebrecht are tasked with unmasking counter-feit classic cars using a variety of techniques. Hoffmann completed training in vehicle resto-ration. “Many methods and processes from our job remind me of the art scene,” he explains. “Antique cars can be restored a few times in their life, which means that changes to the orig-inal structure have been made – quite legally. A fact that makes it nearly impossible to deter-mine whether one is a fake or not. You need to peer deep into the material to know for sure.”For more than a year, the optical magnetic res-

2 0 1 9 3 5

35

onance technique has been helping Hoffmann and his team to detect when a VIN has been modified. They are the first to use this technol-ogy for classic cars. The metal car body changes each time the VIN is modified, be it by sanding, cutting out or filling in with tin. These classic car detectives use a powerful magnetic field that penetrates deep into the substructure of the

the original copy of the motor vehicle registra-tion certificates for high-end models are in cir-culation without the vehicle. The dishonest car fanatics manipulate the VIN on the car, boost-ing its value substantially. Sometimes the entire vehicle is replicated to match the original cer-tificate, suddenly making it worth many more thousands of euros. Classic cars are ‘discovered’

material, making it visible on a notebook com-puter using a reader and revealing the details of the specific area on the vehicle. “We can detect irregularities in the material structure that may indicate a car has been counterfeited.” Hoffmann continues, “Changes to numbers and letters in the metal also come to light, such as when a counterfeiter changes a 6 to a 9 or a 4 to a 5 by using a punching technique.” The tech-nical equipment, including the notebook com-puter, fits easily in a small suitcase, enabling non-destructive, full-spectrum checks to be performed quickly on site. Norbert Schroeder, head of Competence Center Classic Cars at TÜV Rheinland, is also aware of the growing market for fake classic cars. He reveals, “Counterfeiters make a lot of money on the often exorbitantly high estimates for the treasured classic cars and they manipulate the vehicles to turn a quick profit. Fakes are so widespread that new cases crop up in Germany nearly on a daily basis.” Criminal organizations can, for example, turn a 1973 Porsche F model (type T, E, or S) into a rare Carrera 2.7 RS in their high-tech garages. The exterior of the vehicles may look the same, but aficionados are willing to pay a premium for these specific series. A Carrera RS, for example, can go for €1 million Euros. More often than not,

under a tarpaulin in the barn, similar to the scam with forged paintings, and are touted as a long-lost original.

TECHNIQUES FROM FORENSIC SCIENCE

Magnetic resonance measurements were ini-tially used in forensic investigations and to check gun serial numbers in Latvia where Hoff-mann and Ebrecht saw it in use at a company. They were the first to try it out on vehicles, and it worked out well. However, if counterfeit-ers remove a piece of the trunk’s base with the original VIN of a Carrera RS and install it in a Porsche 911, the engraved number and depth will correspond to the original model, making it more difficult to prove that the car is a fake. For this reason, FSP also relies on other methods. A spectral analysis can determine the age of the material, X-rays can expose the metal car body’s substructure, and measurements of the carbon content can provide information on changes. The expert advises potential buyers to meticu-lously check the classic car they have been eye-ing as these cars are increasing in popularity as an investment. Forgeries aren’t only hanging on the living room wall, sometimes they’re parked in the garage, as well.

462 0 1 9 3 5

Material analyses enable experts to determine whether vehicle identification

numbers have been altered.

Lina van de Mars

36 Interview with Lina van de Mars

Lina van de Mars grew up in Munich, Germany. After completing her college entrance exams, she enrolled at the Free University of Berlin. At the same time, she embarked on a career as a musician, and later, worked as an event promoter and tour manager for Sony/BMG. The trained auto mechatronics technician got her breakthrough when she co-hosted a TV show called ‘Tuning TV.’ Soon after, she appeared on ‘Der Checker’ on DMAX, ‘Die Autoprofis’ on Sport1, ‘TecTV’ (the online technology streaming magazine of Verein Deutscher Ingenieure VDI), and on live broadcasts of ‘ADAC GT-Masters.’ She hosted the tattoo show ‘Lina hilft’ on Pro7. Since October 2014, van de Mars has had regular appearances on the Sat.1 morning TV show as a car expert and she hosts the RTL2 shows ‘Mein neuer Alter’ and ‘Grip – Garage.’

37

TV host. Musician. Motorsports enthusiast. Mechatronics technician. Ambassador.

High SpeedsLINA VAN DE MARS HAS HAD A BOISTEROUS LIFE. TV SHOW HOST, MOTORSPORTS RACING,

MUSICIAN WITH A PENCHANT FOR VOCATIONAL PROFESSIONS: AT 38 YEARS OLD, VAN DE MARS HAS

BEEN SUCCESSFUL ON MANY PATHS. SHE DISCUSSED WITH US WHY THERE ARE STILL SO FEW WOMEN

INTERESTED IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND HOW PEOPLE SIZE UP SOMEONE ELSE WITHIN THE

FIRST THREE MINUTES OF MEETING.

Ms. van de Mars, your professional life hasn’t exactly followed a very straight course: drummer for the Lemonbabes, two years of Indian Philology at the university, tour manager, auto mechanic, TV show host, and rally driver.To be honest, I never thought my life would be so varied when I finished high school and passed my college entrance exams. Every time I had a plan and was ready to delve into something head-first, prepared to face the consequences, I always encountered something else new and even more exciting. I didn’t ask for this life. It found me. There were external forces that pushed me in radically new directions nearly every time.

How did you come about your first technically oriented job?Mostly by chance, too. I worked in the music industry, and when the industry collapsed, I was sud-denly out of a job. I had a lot of time on my hands and didn’t really know where to go next. I was definitely not returning to the university. Back then, I had a good friend who worked in a car repair shop. And my car, a Ford Taunus, was constantly acting up. As a result, I spent many hours in that repair shop.

Is that where you discovered your love of all things technical?No, it happened much earlier in life. I was con-stantly repairing things when I was playing as a drummer. I’d have to replace the drumheads or tinker around with the drums. It doesn’t take long before everyone is calling you the ‘fix-it dude’ and then you start helping your band mates, too. When it came to the car, I needed that push from outside. The master mechanic at the repair shop said to me: “Hey, if you’re so interested in cars,

why not become an auto mechanic?”

So you found your calling later in life?You could say that. We didn’t have a car hoist or anything to play with when I was grow-ing up at home. I only realized my talent for car repairs when I worked as an amateur auto

mechanic.

Did you encounter any reserva-tions from colleagues about a woman doing a ‘man’s’ job?It depends.

On what?The specific job setting. Men still dominate professions such as auto mechanics, TV show hosting and motor-

sports. But there are still huge differences. You often doubt your skills

38 Interview with Lina van de Mars

As a passionate musician, she is a professional drummer for

Lemonbabes and has even played for the band Right Said Fred.

Would rather be covered in ink than mink: Lina van de Mars is an activist for PETA’s iconic ‘Ink, Not Mink’ campaign.

39

“KNOWING WHAT IS HAPPENING IN A CAR, BOTH OUTSIDE AND UNDER THE HOOD,

CAN’T HURT IN MOTORSPORTS.” (LINA VAN DE MARS)

to some extent in vocational professions, but once you’ve proven your mettle, it’s quickly forgotten. In TV broadcasting, it’s more a situation of indi-vidual vanity, the hierarchies, and power struggles. In those cases, your knowledge of the technical aspects may get in your way.

What are your strategies for handling these situations?You need to know what you’re talking about as a woman. Many times, I have noticed that people decide within the first three minutes whether or not they will accept you as an equal. I sometimes have to put on an act in order to achieve my goals, but I think men do the same. It’s part of the busi-ness, although there are lines I will not cross.

What lines won’t you cross?I would never sell myself based on my appearance, I have higher standards. I want to use my sense of business to succeed, not just my femininity. I’ve attained a level of self-assurance as a woman in my mid-30s. It’s much more difficult as a younger woman or girl. Saying no is a skill you need to learn.

Would you tell young women and girls to consider a vocational profession? Absolutely! It will still take some work until more women become involved in a vocational profes-sion. I don’t see any real improvements yet.

What do you think is missing from this career choice for it to become more attrac-tive for women?I would phrase the question differently. What overall changes need to be made before vocational professions become more attractive? It’s not only a question of the companies themselves. We need to look further back, like to education. We need more vocational offerings in schools where students can test the waters. But the teachers shouldn’t give grades or do evaluations. These initial experiences

will help plant the seed for greater interest later on. ‘Hey, that’d be something for me to do’ would indicate it was a key experience for the student.

And what about the companies?They need to initiate an overhaul, mentally.

What would it entail?Companies offering vocational jobs need to open their door wider. They should make offers and even participate in a Girl’s Day event, for example. Young women who are interested in pursuing a vocational profession need to have the chance to make the next step towards such a career. They could, for example, envision attending a masters school or pursuing a technically oriented degree after they have completed their apprenticeship.

You earned your additional qualifications in mechatronics in 2014, while you were already rather successfully pursuing a career in TV. What made you upgrade your technical skill set?It had been ten years since I trained to become an auto mechanic. The diagnostic equipment in the repair shop and the automotive control units were off the radar back then. I felt the need to build up my knowledge base so I could speak to techni-cians as an equal. I won’t be professing my love of mechatronics anytime soon. I’m more partial to the mechanical processes of working with older cars.

You drove for Mercedes and Opel in motor-sport events and you still race in rallies to this day. Is there a special appeal to tradi-tionally male-dominated fields?Spectators often only see who is piloting the car when they crawl out of the cockpit at the finish line. It’s pretty cool when you have finished a race with good results and peel off the helmet. A num-ber of men’s jaws always drop when they see my hair fall to my shoulders. But, of course, it’s not my prime motivator.

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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

(from Faust I)

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