From Manual Labor to Digital Twins: The Evolution of Factory Work

The article reflects on the changing nature of factory work, contrasting the hands-on experience of the 1980s with today's automated environments. It recalls a time when high school students were sent for internships to understand the realities of heavy industrial labor. The author remembers being sent from a science-focused high school to the Metalwork Factory, affectionately known as 'tekage,' to experience firsthand the demanding work in galvanizing, deep drawing, pressing, and painting.

This experience involved physical exertion and exposure to the noise and intensity of metal production, work that commanded respect. The author contrasts this with the current state of factories, where production has been automated, and machines, sensors, and control systems communicate over networks. The shift from manual labor to digital control signifies a fundamental change in the industrial landscape.

Sadly, the article notes that high school students are no longer sent to factories for internships. This disconnect means a generation is missing out on the direct understanding of industrial processes and the value of manual labor that was once a common part of education. The author suggests that organizational solutions could benefit from being tested in digital twins before implementation in real-world environments, a nod to the technological advancements that have reshaped industry.