Motivation

The digitalisation of value creation processes increases the possibilities of cross-border networking, but also the complexity of production processes. German companies with foreign locations, for example in China, are faced with the task of equipping their employees with the new types of competences necessary to master the complexity. Above all, a holistic understanding of processes and the ability to apply new technologies, such as cloud technologies, in a benefit-oriented manner will be crucial to success in the future. Realistic learning environments, which are being developed and tested within the CaMPuS project (Research on Intelligent Cloud Manufacturing Service and Pilot Factory; duration 07/2018-06/2020) in cooperation between research and industry, support the development of these competences.

Objective and procedure

The objective of the CaMPuS research project is to develop a prototypical, physical learning and innovation environment. Research is being conducted into which competences are needed by employees at different hierarchical levels in Germany and China in order to be able to analyse and optimise production processes – through the use of Industrie 4.0 technologies. The developed modular and mobile learning factory modules can be connected across locations. They enable the mapping of a complex production network to convey a holistic understanding of the process. The focus is on three use cases: Cloud services, component traceability and worker assistance.First, the current state of digitalisation in manufacturing and the competence needs of employees in selected Chinese companies and German branches in China are recorded. Then, concepts will be developed on how the identified competence needs can be taught with the help of real learning environments. On this basis, three learning factory modules in the form of physical, mobile demonstrators for presenting the defined use cases will be developed, set up and equipped with the necessary software. The resulting learning factory modules will be accessed and connected worldwide via cloud services. For this purpose, a learning factory environment will be set up at the TU Darmstadt and at the project partners in China, tested and then used for training and demonstrations. At the end of the project, further training needs will be jointly identified and a roadmap for further cooperation will be developed.