“From digital twins and Industry 4.0 applications to PLC programming, a diverse range of scenarios can be simulated and illustrated with our Training Factory 4.0”, says Felix Witzelmaier, Industry Sales at fischertechnik.

The fischertechnik Training Factory 4.0 starts with a process which many will be familiar with: A product is ordered online. The online shopping platform on the dashboard of the fischertechnik Teaching Factory is called the “customer view” because it shows the ordering process from the customer’s point of view. 

The respective ordering info is transmitted via the cloud to the miniature factory, which immediately sets in motion as a part in the shape of a building block runs through various processing stations according to the order. This simulates mass production in batch size 1: a product is manufactured according to individual customer specifications. Each work piece is assigned a unique identification number (ID). The parts can be digitally traced via NFC (Near Field Communication). 

The “production view” perspective provides information on all data relating to product manufacturing. The temperature sensor will immediately indicate if the temperature and humidity levels in the small assembly line are too high. The pivoting camera provides an overview of the entire production hall, enabling web-based remote monitoring. An additional safety loop has been integrated in case of any malfunctions. Once a problem has been rectified, it must first be confirmed through an additional button before production can continue. Green and red lights indicate whether the respective process step is currently being processed or whether an error has occurred. The current work piece inventory including minimum and maximum stock levels is also displayed. 

The “supplier view” perspective visualises the process of ordering raw materials. Customers, manufacturers and suppliers therefore have a constant and complete overview of the current order status from any location. Suppliers and manufacturers can work together efficiently without loss of time. The fischertechnik Training Factory is controlled via a PLC controller for which a basic programme is provided in STL.

fischertechnik has high demands in terms of quality and sustainability, which is why the made in Germany construction kit manufacturer highly values data security. The cloud servers are located in Germany, ensuring that the data is stored in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Personal information is stored in a password-protected account that uses the high-security “OAuth2” industry standard. Data security is also a priority when transferring data to the cloud, as all data is sent by certificate-based encryption.

https://www.fischertechnik.de/en/