Learning to understand production processes

The teaching materials provider Fischertechnik presented a modular factory simulation at the Hannover Messe: the Agile Production Simulation. The model simulates agile production processes in a very small space and illustrates digital and haptic processes in a state-of-the-art factory of the future.

It is the subject of many research projects in science and industry. Future-oriented companies rely on automation, modularity, artificial intelligence and agility in order to remain competitive. In order to drive these topics forward in industry and research, students, trainees and employees need the relevant expertise and awareness to deal with complex issues.

This is where Fischertechnik's learning concept comes in. It simulates processes from incoming goods to modular production and quality assurance. The accompanying didactics translate the hands-on simulated processes into future skills for the learners. The digital twin of the model intensifies the learning experience. The simulation setup is a factory made up of flexibly combinable modules. The material flow begins at the incoming goods department for raw materials, continues via an automated high-bay warehouse, various production stations such as a milling or drilling station, through a quality assurance system with AI to the outgoing goods department. An automated guided vehicle system (AGV) with Omniwheels transports workpieces between the individual stations and ensures agile production processes that can be flexibly adapted to customer requirements. If necessary, the AGV can be charged at the charging station without having to swap batteries.

The platform is controlled by a central controller (Raspberry Pi 4 Model B), which is networked with the controllers of the individual factory modules, PLC Siemens S7 1200. Different communication protocols enable all modules to work together in a network. A cloud-based real-time monitoring system provides dashboards for order control and for visualizing the factory status. The system was developed in collaboration with experts from KIT Karlsruhe, the software company OMM Solutions and the University of Stuttgart; it is delivered already assembled in a practical case.

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