Authors:
Polina Häfner
1
;
Viktoria Bergmann
2
;
Victor Häfner
1
;
Felix Michels
1
;
Michael Grethler
1
and
Abhijit Karande
3
Affiliations:
1
Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
;
2
Institute of Vocational and General Education, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hertzstraße 16, Karlsruhe, Germany
;
3
EES Beratungsgesellschaft mbH, Adalbert Stifter Str. 8, Ettlingen, Germany
Keyword(s):
Extended Reality, Immersive Digital Twin, Virtual Twin, Learning Environment, Learning Factory, Industry 4.0, Engineering Education.
Abstract:
Technological advancements and the interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering projects are driving forces behind the evolution of engineering skills today. Educational institutions are responding to the demand for new skills through various initiatives, one notable example being the implementation of learning factories. These facilities serve as invaluable resources for hands-on, practice-oriented learning, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0. This publication outlines an innovative teaching concept and the implementation of an adaptive and immersive learning environment tailored for Industry 4.0 education. Central to this environment is a cost-effective learning factory model complemented by its immersive digital twin, accessible on desktop PCs or immersive hardware. The virtual learning environment comprises diverse teaching modules covering advanced engineering topics such as agile production, industrial Internet of Things, automation, machine learning and autonomous g
uided vehicles. The integration of a physical learning factory with its immersive digital counterpart allows for the playful exploration of additional relevant topics such as digital twins, virtual commissioning and extended reality. The adaptability of this hybrid learning environment enables educators to customize teaching scenarios and adjust content and difficulty levels to suit various learner groups. Furthermore, it accommodates a wide range of teaching methods and classroom setups, offering a versatile educational experience.
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