Abstract
The AAS is recognized as a key enabler for the digital transformation of industrial production. However, its implementation creates heterogeneous learning demands across technical, operational, and strategic roles—challenges that conventional training formats rarely address in a differentiated manner. This paper presents a pedagogically grounded framework for adaptive learning paths that integrates three design axes: (1) organizational maturity level, (2) role-specific competence requirements, and (3) established instructional models such as Kolb’s experiential learning cycle and scaffolding.
The framework is validated through a role-differentiated survey on AAS-related digital maturity in SMEs, revealing a pronounced need for low-threshold entry points and staged progression logic. Building on these findings, the paper demonstrates practical operationalization in three use cases: a hybrid demonstrator for immersive AAS training, a higher education implementation combining simulation and real-world integration, and a proof of concept for DPP integration in switchgear manufacturing. A prototype implementation in Moodle illustrates how maturity and role mapping can be translated into conditional learning path access. Results confirm the framework’s scalability and transferability, enabling targeted competence development aligned with real-world product lifecycle and digitalization processes. The approach addresses both researchers and practitioners, offering a replicable model for structuring complex Industry 4.0 competencies in industrial and educational contexts.
Published
February 3rd, 2026
Available
Springer (fee applies)
Adaptive Learning Paths for Industry 4.0 Competencies: Didactic Framework with Role- and Maturity-Based Differentiation Using the Asset Administration Shell
Abstract
Digital Product Passport (DPP) is an initiative of the European Union that promotes circular economy and sustainability in certain product groups. Its main principle is based on attaching certain metadata to a product about its life cycle and maintaining these metadata as long as the product circulates in some form. DPPs come with challenges for ICT as data and process models as well as architectures need to be established. There are light tower projects such as CIRPASS that explore diff erent avenues for such challenges and come up with recommendations alongside various national initiatives. In the PASSAT project, our aim is to support Austrian companies in the implementation of DPPs. We will analyze the requirements for DPP implementation and develop reference architectures, data models, and training material for Austrian companies and build on the EU-wide eff orts like CIRPASS. In ESWC, we want to especially focus on semantic data models for DPP and exchange ideas with the participants.
Published
June 6th, 2025
Available
PASSAT: Digital Product Passport Austria & Beyond
Abstract
The Asset Administration Shell (AAS) provides the digital foundation for interoperable systems in Industry 4.0. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face critical barriers in workforce qualification due to the lack of scalable training logic that aligns organizational maturity and functional roles with structured, rule-based learning paths.This paper presents a modular training framework that combines an empirically validated maturity model with role-specific learning paths. Learners are routed into one of three tracks – Initiate, Integrate, or Anchor – based on diagnostic input that reflects their organizational readiness and functional role profiles.The framework is implemented in a configurable Learning Management System (LMS) utilizing rule-based logic, including conditional access, content visibility controls, and progression triggers. Validation is grounded in a structured survey of German SMEs, which confirms heterogeneous maturity levels and training needs.The resulting system enables differentiated, scalable upskilling strategies aligned with AAS deployment, offering a practical basis for integration into industrial qualification programs and corporate training infrastructures.
Published
October 21st, 2025
Available
IEEE Xplore (fee applies)
Bridging the Qualification Gap for the Asset Administration Shell: A Modular and Role-Based Learning Framework
Abstract
With the advent of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), introduced in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), information concerning various aspects throughout a product’s value chain – from design to disposal – is to be made available in the future. This pursues the goal of promoting the establishment of a so-called circular economy in the European Union. The possibility of processing personal data within a DPP raises data protection issues, particularly concerning the lawfulness of storing customer data. Challenges arise especially in connection with the interpretation of the terms “explicit consent” and “customer” in Art. 10(1)(e) ESPR, as well as concerning the identification of the applicable sanctions in case of a violation of this article, in particular in view of the principle ne bis in idem. The paper at hand discusses these issues and proposes respective solutions.
Published
December 22nd, 2025
Available
