Abstract:

The future of production, as envisioned by the Industry 4.0 paradigm, is based on interconnected cyber-physical systems, communicating via broadband connections and working collaboratively on the same manufacturing project, with complete disregard of each other’s geographic location.

As a new manufacturing paradigm, these new technology-driven work environments promise to trigger new and challenging functions on both human and automated systems. To qualify for this highly demanding work contexts, academics and practitioners need develop specific skills and capabilities to function in such digitally interconnected work environments.

With hybrid human-derived and automated decision processes, as those characterized by the forthcoming Industry 4.0 smart factories, Additive Manufacturing technologies will gain significant relevance to manufacture products and goods with increasingly higher efficiency and production rates. As envisaged, in a near-future, workers will have to interact in such digital ecosystems with creative, interactive and innovative contributions. To prepare for such ground-breaking conditions, current research aims at identifying and discussing the main skillset of competencies to work and collaborate in future Additive Manufacturing work environments.

This research is based on a comprehensive literature review characterizing the state of the art on the competencies envisaged by the authors on what relates to the future of production in Additive Manufacturing. Additional results of surveys and cases sustain the qualitative discussion on the multiple factors that influence this workforce skillset.

Preliminary findings show that the technical skills that a person requires to have to work with additive manufacturing technologies are not enough to guarantee the success in the near future of production in Additive Manufacturing. Thus, relational competencies like intercultural, communicative and collaborative skills show to be significant competencies envisaged for the future workforce profile in Additive Manufacturing.

Keywords:

Additive Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Smart Factories, Qualification, Human Resourses.