

Unlike a Teaching Factory, students in a Learning Factory do not work on real challenges. Learning Factories have been used in universities and industry for many years now. They are are simplified for didactic reasons and reproduced inside a lab to train students. Learning Factories are complex learning environments for the manufacturing context that contain authentic replicas of real production systems and value chains, so that participants can learn based on experiences, in a hands-on fashion. These include the Schools of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, as well as the Insight SFI Centre on Data Analytics.įor further information please contact Prof.EIT Manufacturing Learning Factories Networks offer a range of comprehensive training experiences. In addition to training, a further focus is to work directly with companies to assist them to implement new processing technologies.Īcademic staff associated with the Learning Factory are based in a number of schools and research centres at UCD.

The focus of this Learning Factory is to provide training to undergraduate students as well as staff involved in advanced manufacturing processes. These technologies form the basis of Tomorrows Advanced Manufacturing (Industry 4.0). This demonstrator thus links advanced manufacturing processing (machining), with the internet of things and data analytics. Analysis of process data using data analytics.Real time process monitoring (sensors for force, temperature, torque etc.).Component design (CAD), including materials selection.The Learning Factory involves the following activities: As part of this demonstrator students are involved in the fabrication of two linked engineering components, which are then assembled and tested. The UCD Learning Factory facility includes a 5 axis computer controlled (CNC) machining centre (Mori Seiki), a CNC turning centre, and other machine tools, in conjunction with sample handling, metrology (CMM), high levels of process monitoring and “supply chain” interconnectivity using an RFID system. It thus helps to address industries need for interdisciplinary training in technologies related to advanced manufacturing processes. Its goal is to provide a new engineering educational experience that emphasizes the interdependency of ICT-enabling technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. The Learning Factory approach aims to achieve this through the integration of a practice-based curriculum and advanced manufacturing facilities. Operating at the current, qualified production baseline, the factory will be immensely. It functions as a ‘factory in a lab’ that satisfies both academic and industry requirements with its core capability.

As a physical facility, the Learning Factory is a scaled-down and controlled environment. In order for existing staff involved in manufacturing as well as undergraduate students entering the market significant training is required. Defining the composites factory of the future. to the complex global supply chain, and through the product-service lifetime. This transformation will affect all business processes, from in-house operations. The third part will address assessment strategies to evaluate student.
Learning factory address software#
In addition there is the potential of integration through cloud computing, the application of advanced software such as data analytics, as well as interconnectivity through the “internet of things”. The goal is to share the Learning Factory Program in all of its aspects and. with higher levels of ICT-enabled technologies impacting on manufacturing processes. Manufacturing is currently undergoing a significant transformation.
