Connecting Work System Planning, Optimization and Training Processes via Simulation Model: Use Case and Critical Reflection

The rapid changes in industry and used technologies, especially driven by an accelerated development of digitalization, has created a significant need for highly qualified specialists with a wide range of skills. In this context, the role of professionals with digital skills is becoming increasingly important, as they are the driving force behind innovation and growth in an increasingly digitized world. The learning factory is a key factor in developing and promoting competences, as according to North, competences are achieved by applying knowledge through action. The implementation of the future-oriented learning factory in the degree program can therefore specifically support the promotion of digital competences and practical skills. In order to make the development and promotion verifiable with the support of the learning factory, a new course series was designed using the use case of digital work planning and optimization. The knowledge-building learning sessions of the technical production planning course in the industrial engineering degree program are supplemented by learning sessions in the learning factory. The planned learning session consists of the four phases planning, simulating, training and optimizing. In the planning and simulating phases, students create the work environment as well as simulate and evaluate the work processes of the work case assembly using emaWD. After that, the simulation model is used for a tryout and training in a virtual environment using VR glasses. The final concept of the assembly process is carried out and optimized at the manual workstation in the learning factory. At the end of the session, the use of digital twins and technologies is discussed and reflected with the students. In summary, the concept introduces the students to a new form of learning. The evaluation of the concept shows a high overall confidence and potential to verifiably promote the competence “digital planning of an assembly process” through the integration of the transformed learning sessions in the learning factory.