Connected learning: upgrade of the learning factory completed
The Learning Factory at FH Kufstein Tirol is the centerpiece of the laboratory for industrial engineering. The miniature production line gives students and pupils the opportunity to analyze, program and change manufacturing processes within a small and manageable framework and thereby provides an ideal learning environment for students to understand complex system and interactions and grow in the process.
LEARNING FACTORY EQUIPPED FOR INDUSTRY 4.0
The Learning Factory has now been equipped for Industry 4.0 – on account of the conversion project within the context of the project “Smart Factories – Connected Learning” in cooperation with TFBS Kufstein-Rotholz.
The project “Smart Factories - Connected Learning” initiated by the Kufstein innovation platform i.ku is making its first substantial progress. After implementation of the joint network by the project partner kufgem, the complete Learning Factory at FH Kufstein Tirol was converted in only 3 weeks with the help of vocational students from TFBS Kufstein-Rotholz. The conversion was managed by the scientific employees Alexander Führen and laboratory manager Markus Ehrlenbach. The group managers Julia Zierler (WING student in her 3rd semester) and Stefan Klieber (vocational student in the final year) operationally realized the project. The project was additionally supported by the company Stihl.
DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERLESS TRANSPORT SYSTEMS IS NOW POSSIBLE
The layout of the Learning Factory has now been prepared for the deployment of driverless transport systems (DTS). The L-shaped structure of individual stations has created an open area in which DTS can maneuver. The sustainable concept of students also included the reusage of most of the existing sensors and actuators. For example, the retaining device at individual stations was solved by using a lifting cylinder. The innovative construction converted a linear movement into a swivel movement.
Each station was equipped with state-of-the-art controls. The individual stations were thereby transformed into independent cyber-physical systems within the meaning of Industry 4.0 production concepts. The high-bay warehouse station where semi-finished products are stored represented the greatest challenge for the team. The problems were solved due to the tireless dedication of prospective mechatronics technicians, ensuring that the facility was fully functional on the planned completion date.
SUPPORT BY VOCATIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM TFBS KUFSTEIN-ROTHOLZ
The specialist teachers of the Tirolean vocational college TFBS Kufstein-Rotholz Bettina Anker, MA, Dipl-Päd. Christine Sperl, Ing. Ralph Huber, Ing. Ferdinand Falch, Dipl.-Päd. Gerhard Rinnergschwentner, Markus Weber, Ing. Harald Kapfinger and Ing. Christian Auer also provided tremendous support.
The successful completion of the project was celebrated and the facility handed over within the context of an event with participating project partners. Mario Döller (president of FH Kufstein Tirol), Kurt Wimmer (director of TFBS Kufstein-Rotholz) and Heinz Lechner were impressed when they saw what the students and vocational students had accomplished.
Further Informationen
Video link: https://youtu.be/U_k29vB9pyA
Link for the press release of the project initiation: https://www.fh-kufstein.ac.at/Newsroom/Connected-learning-Wenn-Theorie-auf-Praxis-trifft