The Impact of AI on Employment and Organisation in the Industrial Working Environment of the Future

AI applications such as robotics, automation or intelligent assistance are becoming drivers of a wide-ranging change process in manufacturing companies, which not only affects the use of algorithms but also affects people and organisation. Automation and algorithmisation will change the working world in a lasting way, whereby all value-adding activities – from operative production work to skilled work and management – will be influenced. It is expected that, due to its learning ability, AI will be able to act autonomously, support people through assistance systems, use resources more effectively, make processes more environmentally friendly and enable new working models with direct participation and greater transparency. It should increase efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction and facilitate and enrich work. Current research confirms that it is less about technology and investment than about the openness of employees and executives combined with a supportive organisational structure and culture that is decisive for the success of digitalisation. The influence of AI on employment is controversial. It should lead to secure and demanding jobs, physical and cognitive relief and an improvement in work-life balance. Yet, there are concerns about job losses, disqualification, growing autonomy of digital systems and increased control potential for employees. However, research demonstrates that in the past one robot has replaced on average two workers in the industry, while two jobs have been created outside. AI will probably demonstrate a similar behaviour. The implementation of AI requires reorganisation of management, cooperation, co-determination, qualification and a high level of knowledge exchange. Digital change requires flexible and agile organisational structures and flatter hierarchies to be able to react to new complexity and dynamics. The participative leadership of the future conducts flexibly within the framework of self-organising networks and interdisciplinary, democratically formed teams. Executives see themselves as coaches and moderators. This paper examines the effects of the introduction of AI in industrial enterprises based on a comprehensive literature review. Particular attention will be paid to effects on employment and organisational structure and culture. Best practice examples for AI applications in industrial companies will also be examined. Finally, a critical discussion examines possibilities and instruments for shaping transformation within companies through AI with the involvement of all relevant actors.