The route.
The exhibition route PEOPLE. WORK. AI. runs through the Ruhr region and begins at Mark 51°7. The participating venues showcase the digital transformation of the world of work from their respective perspectives. Their shared aim is to shape the future in a way that puts people first. The route concept is being further developed in collaboration with route industriekultur.
The exhibition route.
RUB-Makerspace
The exhibition at the RUB Makerspace invites visitors on a journey of discovery: how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of work. Through interactive experiences, visitors can discover why it makes a difference to view the development and use of this technology from the perspective of working people. What is AI? How is it changing our jobs? And under what conditions does it make our future better? Ethics and responsibility are key aspects in this context.
Until 31 August 2026: free of charge and open to the public (Mon–Wed & Fri 10.00–16.00)
- Up to 5 people – no booking required
- For groups of 6 or more, subject to prior booking
Suttner-Nobel-Allee 4, 44803 Bochum
AI Laboratory at ZESS
How can you work with AI? What should you bear in mind?
The Human-AI Role Development Lab gives participants the opportunity to experience the use of AI through various forms of interaction. Are you interested in finding out more about the Human-AI Role Development Laboratory?
Then sign up now – either individually or as a team – for a visit as part of the ‘PEOPLE. WORK. AI.’ initiative!
We will then get in touch with you to arrange a suitable appointment.
Hans-Dobbertin-Str. 8, 44803 Bochum
Our Services.
As you explore the exhibition, discover a wide range of activities that invite you to get involved, learn more and give things a go.
Digital Day 2026
We’ll be taking part in the Digital Day 2026 again! Come and visit us and explore our exhibition PEOPLE. WORK. AI. and the RUB Makerspace. We’ll show you how to shape the world of work with AI and what factors play a part in this. This is even changing the nature of work in our region, the Ruhr area.
Current dialogue formats
To complement the exhibition, our dialogue sessions invite you to explore AI from various perspectives and engage in conversation with experts. Through open discussions, brief presentations, and engaging talks, you can gain a deeper understanding of the topics behind the exhibition stations. Participation is limited to 20 people.
| Date | Topic | Location | Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 June 2026, 4.30–6.30 pm | Co-determination has a history – and a future: A discussion on AI, work and regional identity | Quartiershalle, Kofabrik | Manfred Wannöffel, Dirk Stüter, Alfredo Virgillito, Christian Doll |
| 23 June 2026, 4.00–6.30 pm | Dealing with standards – a tiresome obligation or a necessary step towards market success? Registration link: https://pretix.eu/medeconruhr/purequhr0626/ |
Cube17 | Dr. Marc Kämmerer, Dr. Christoph Labisch, Prof. Dr. Darius Schippritt |
|
29 July 2026 |
AI Research Through the Ages | RUB Makerspace, O-Werk, | Dr Merlin Schüler |
| to be announced | Who Am I When AI Works Alongside Me? A Dialogue on Work, Identity, and Technology | RUB-Makerspace, O-Werk | Prof Dr Annette Kluge & Dr. Sophie Berretta |
Dialogue formats that have taken place
| Date | Topic | Location | Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 April 2026 | Training for working with AI – New roles for humans and AI as a task for organisations | ZESS | Dr Valentin Langholf |
| 27 March 2026 | AI literacy – how it benefits us and how it protects us | RUB Makerspace, O-Werk | Prof. Dr Uta Wilkens |
| 10 March 2026 | AI and Art – Artistic Perspectives on AI in Work Processes | RUB Makerspace, O-Werk | Prof. Dr Uta Wilkens, Emil Schult |
School science lab
In partnership with the Alfried Krupp School Science Laboratory, we offer educational programmes for interested school classes at the RUB Makerspace.
If you have any questions, please contact the Humanities section of the School Science Centre
(Tel.: 0234 / 32 24723, @: schuelerlabor-gg@rub.de).
Integration into teaching
The exhibition at the RUB Makerspace offers a unique opportunity to combine teaching modules with interactive elements and to give students an insight into the world of work involving AI within a seminar setting.
Contact & Involvement.
Constanze Prange
Research Assistant
routezukunft@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
+49 (0)234 32–12 172
In cooperation with
