An IoT Learning Factory Demonstrator of Remote Diagnostics Using Low-Cost Didactic Devices

The rapid integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into modern industries creates the need for engineers experienced in their use. This paper introduces the educational approach through the establishment of a learning factory demonstrator designed for courses on the basics of IoT technology by employing versatile and low-cost take-home laboratory devices from the AutomationShield open-source initiative. This demonstrator also leverages the new Arduino Uno Rev4 WiFi board, and a curriculum designed to equip students with comprehensive skills. Students learn how to use the MQTT protocol based on publish/subscribe messaging to establish connection between a device and a cloud server. The concept of diagnostics and control of mechatronic devices in IoT networks is also introduced to the students within dedicated courses, in order to meet the needs of the market by providing innovative solutions fulfilling the concept of Industry 4.0. The new Arduino UNO extension, a WiFi ESP32-S3 module can offer a completely wireless connection to the cloud server serving as the system’s hub, allowing multiple devices to be controlled independently from a single spot and from any location. The course participant should gain experience in deploying a device in a smart factory, from connecting the device to the cloud server, gathering data from the device, designing a dashboard for data visualization and device control, to creating a simple algorithm to process the data into a basic remote diagnostics concept—all relying on open-source solutions. Essentially, this pedagogical initiative empowers students with hands-on experience in developing and deploying IoT solutions.