What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Specialization - 3 course series

The projects proposed in the courses under the specialization "Digital Technology in Manufacturing" each have a sequence of tasks. This includes exploring the intricacies of Digital Thread and Digital Twin, analyzing Porter's Value Chain model, implementing digital technologies such as IoT sensors, AI, and flexible automation in Smart Factories, transforming heavy forging and assembly shops into IoT-enabled facilities, Metal Additive Manufacturing considerations, and case studies illustrating Supply Chain 4.0 and automotive manufacturing transformations. Learners will gain insights into critical areas such as work flow instructions, protective coatings, sensor applications, data analytics, and process optimization, giving them a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies are transforming industrial processes, supply chains, and product development to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing paradigms.

In the first module, "Introduction to Digital Manufacturing," students will conduct a thorough examination of the drivers driving digital transformation in manufacturing. Learners will recognize the importance of efficiency, agility, and competitiveness in driving the industry into a new era. Key concepts such as the Digital Thread, Value Chain, and Smart Factory will be investigated to demonstrate how they are transforming traditional manufacturing processes. Participants will learn about key concepts such as Digital Thread and Digital Twin, as well as their roles in enabling continuous information flow and virtual representations for analysis and optimization. The importance of a strong digital infrastructure, which includes networked systems, cybersecurity measures, and data analytics capabilities, will be highlighted. The second module, "Evolution of Industry 4.0," builds on the knowledge learned in the first module. Participants will learn about the history and progress of Industry 4.0, from the fourth industrial revolution to the present era of intelligent, networked systems. Key components such as cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence will be emphasized, demonstrating how they work together to create adaptable production environments. The six Industry 4.0 design ideas will be discussed, providing students with a foundation for seamless integrating digital technologies. In the last module of the course, students will learn about the latest innovations that shape smart design and production processes. Learners will look into Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), recognizing its importance as the foundation for effective digital design and manufacturing instruction translation. Other technologies, such as Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Computer-Aided Fixture Design, and automation adaptation, will also be discussed, with a focus on their contributions to precision, repeatability, and efficiency in manufacturing operations, which align with the larger goals of smart design and manufacturing.

The course begins with an overview of Product Life Management (PLM), which manages the whole product life cycle while encouraging collaboration and data consistency. Learners will explore modern technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which is revolutionizing the digital product life cycle by increasing adaptability and responsiveness. Understanding the relationship between PLM and ERP is critical. Participants will understand how these solutions align corporate processes, allowing for real-time data interchange and informed decision-making. The use of computer-aided technologies improves design and manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency and precision. The backbone of Digital Manufacturing, Value Chain Management (VCM), is also a key focus of this course. Students will gain insights into how VCM improves efficiency and responsiveness within the manufacturing process. The course also covers Manufacturing Workflow, which introduces concepts like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Robot Workflow Management for increased efficiency. Learners will investigate the advantages of digital twins, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), machine health monitoring, Manufacturing Analytics, Smart Material Flow, and the use of mobile applications to increase flexibility. The Smart Factory concept is the focus point, emphasising real-time connectivity and data sharing facilitated by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Smart Energy Management, predictive maintenance, and augmented reality. Real-time data optimises logistics and supply chain management, whereas Quality Management 4.0 incorporates digital technology to improve product quality. By the end of this course, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of Product Life Cycle and Value Chain Management, Manufacturing Workflow, and the Smart Factory in Digital Manufacturing. They will be well-prepared to navigate and succeed in today's rapidly evolving industrial environment.

In our first module, "Demystifying Cyber-Physical Systems," you will lay a solid foundation by looking into several facets of CPS. This subject is designed to offer you with a comprehensive grasp of the interdisciplinary nature of CPS, ranging from embedded processors to wireless communication, cybersecurity, and cloud-edge computing. Continuing to our second module, "Demo on Design and Development of CPS Components in Industrial Sensors and Control using Embedded C - Part 1," you will be immersed in the fascinating world of industrial sensors and controls. With hands-on experience with the STM32F103F ARM Cortex processor and STM Cube IDE, you'll learn how to interface sensors such as OLED, Humidity & Temperature Sensor, Ultrasonic Distance Sensor, and Hall Effect Sensor with the ARM Cortex processor, gaining valuable skills for implementing CPS components in industrial sensor applications. Our learning journey proceeds with our third session, "Demo on Design and Development of CPS Components in Industrial Sensors and Control Using Embedded C - Part 2." In this section, you will go deeper into practical applications, learning how to interface sound, current, voltage, soil moisture, tilt, and touch sensors with an ARM Cortex processor. Through hands-on demonstrations and Embedded C programming, you will gain a better grasp of sensor integration and control techniques for industrial CPS applications. Transitioning to our fourth module, you will explore the "Design and Development of a 5-Degree Freedom Robotic Arm for Industrial Automation within the context of CPS." This module covers fundamental aspects of 5-DOF, including pneumatic and hydraulic systems, control of solenoid valves through microcontrollers, and the Hartenberg Principle. Hands-on experiences with Arduino Nano, servo motors, and Simulink simulation will further enhance your skills in robotic arm assembly and testing. By the end of this course, you will emerge equipped with in-demand skills in CPS, industrial automation, and sensor integration, ready to tackle real-world challenges in the exciting field of digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0: PLM, Value Chain, and Smart Factory

CPS solution for Industries