FactoRIS – A Learning Factories Based Education Framework to Support Digital Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs

Abstract

Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still struggle to embrace the Industry 4.0 revolution and the uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies and systems remains a challenge-especially in countries with moderate or modest innovation scores. The most important obstacle in such uptake is the high cost of investments and the lack of financial resources. This goes hand in hand with the lack of skilled personnel required to adopt relevant technologies and business models. The primary outcome of the FactoRIS European project is the same-titled education framework designed to support the digital transformation of manufacturing SMEs, while considering their existing production infrastructure. Based on an extensive survey of challenges and needs of industrial stakeholders, a set of learning factory projects was implemented to provide them with dedicated digital learning content as well as hands-on courses. These are organized into three blended learning modules focused on selected topics of zero-defect manufacturing, utilization of production capacities, and predictive maintenance. By stimulating their creative thinking and problem-based decision making, the trainees-current and future employees-can upgrade their mindsets and skills, ultimately boosting the momentum of SMEs to transform their company towards a next-generation factory with more competitive, smarter and sustainable production. This paper describes the main goals and results of FactoRIS, while discussing the pedagogical approach and main benefits regarding the learning experience of Industry 4.0 related topics