Developing of an Engineering Scientific Innovative Lab and Teaching Methodology for Smart Manufacturing in the Hi-Engineering School
Authors: Kekshin Vjatsheslav , Sarkans Martinš , Kuts Vladimir 
Published: January 2025

Due to rapidly advancing technologies, there is a high demand for training specialists with the corresponding level of qualification. One of the main directions for preparing specialists is appropriate laboratory conditions and teaching methodology that are close to real practical tasks in production.

The Higher Engineering School provides an opportunity to achieve the required qualification level by offering extensive possibilities for practical study in Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and further laboratory development for application in these areas. An example is Industry 5.0. The scientific article presents a method for planning and selecting the necessary equipment and software for a modern scientific and technical laboratory andbased on it, training, taking into account the existing external possibilities of interaction with the expectations of enterprises. Several technical educational tasks outlined in the scientific article can be used to determine the multi-level planning of the components of the target training. This will improve the accessibility of training for new specialists at various levels, both for higher applied education students and for bachelor’s and master’s students.

The application of the multifunctionality of used laboratory devices will allow the teacher to adaptively modify, supplement, and improve the strategy of the teaching methodology, adaptively striving for even more effective ways of its use. The complex software will contribute to solving any design tasks. For example, modeling various mechanical components and printing modeled parts based on a 3D printer will allow students to implement educational projects not only virtually but also practically. The mandatory use of software includes engineering applications for offline programming, design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks CAM, EPLAN CAE), machine vision programming, and remote visualization. In addition, Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software allows training new specialists in process monitoring. In turn, mini-robots installed on the desks of the computer class will allow remote synchronization with the real production robot. This will provide an opportunity to verify the program on the mini-robot and then remotely transmit the program code by loading it onto the production robot in the laboratory.

Special attention in the scientific article is given to the correct use of Smart Manufacturing devices and tools, while observing and teaching safety techniques when working with production equipment, aiming to ensure the safety of both users and the preservation of the original functionality of the equipment. Teaching methodology based on new laboratory conditions will not only allow for qualified training but also provide an opportunity for development and use for scientific purposes. This includes the implementation of scientific articles and doctoral theses in the field of industrial robotics, smart factories, and Industry 4.0.

In conclusion, it should be added that the implementation of the set goals will give a strong impetus to the development of enterprises, as the newly qualified specialists will be highly motivated, well-trained in practical knowledge, and will confidently perform their assigned tasks in any enterprise. The primary goal of creating the research laboratory has been achieved through excellent scientific research work in the field of smart manufacturing. In the future, the development of the laboratory will be driven by new users and the exploration of new equipment and technologies.