Using RFID in learning factories : a case study research of opportunities, benefits and challenges at the FhA Learning Assembly

Abstract

Fraunhofer Austria (FhA) teaches company staff and students theoretical and practical approaches to optimize assembly processes with control principles in its learning factory. They integrated RFID to demonstrate benefits, challenges and possibilities of RFID in assembly processes. This aim is achieved by simulating the assembly operations supported by the new technology. Another aim is to exploit the possible use of RFID in a learning factory and show its implementation.<br />The first part of this thesis gives an overview of the state-of-the-art RFID technology, possible business applications and its benefits with focus on manufacturing. Then the concept of a learning factory is explained using examples of existing learning factories.The next part goes into further details of the FhA learning factory and the teaching practice before RFID was integrated. The next part uses previous described information to analyze potential benefits and challenges when RFID is integrated in learning factories. Furthermore the process of the software development using the RFID system is explained. In the last part of this work the results and the developed software are presented.<br />The final software consists of three software tools - one tool to support the various setups of the learning factory - another to communicate directly with the RFID hardware and to support staff during construction - and a third tool to evaluate and represent data generated by the RFID system. The written description of the individual features is supported by screenshots. The result is a new type of learning factory that demonstrates practical application of RFID technology in an assembly process and uses RFID to assist the content of the curriculum.