Support in times of digitization

Abstract

This paper sketches the connection of digital transformation and support technologies. Describing and conceptualizing human-machine configurations as “support” is intimately linked to material digitization processes. It is argued that support relations have to be considered as sensor-actuator-networks that consist of both organic and designed components embedded in a wider sociomaterial infrastructure. Interfacing various bodies then turns out to be the pivotal issue for support in the digital age. In this vein, challenges with regard to robots, automation, power, and collaboration are discussed.