trends in automation

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issues such as quality, energy, safety,
sensitivity of components, work stan-
dards and break-out zones.
Individual learning profiles
The training factory is designed to com-
plement the Technology Plant, and enable
managers to identify potential training
topics. The training aims, number of people,
trainer, duration, and the required training
method are described in individual train-
ing profiles. The objective is a standard-
ised training process.
The course catalogue includes machining,
assembly, electronics manufacturing and
automation as well as the associated
topics of energy and environment,
Festo products, Festo production systems
and location-related training at the
Scharnhausen plant.
Training in the CP Factory
A central element of the training
factory in Scharnhausen is CP Factory,
the cyber-physical learning and research
platform of Festo Didactic. With the
Cyber-Physical Factory, technical knowl-
edge about increased digitalisation of
production and the future interaction
between people and machines can be
communicated at a practical level. The
CP Factory reflects the new developments
in networked production for Industry 4.0
and offers a modular Smart Factory sys-
tem for teaching and research purposes.
It is part of a continuous, modular learn-
ing system for transferring knowledge
about Industry 4.0.
As a platform, it replicates the stations
of a real production system, integrates
relevant mechatronic and automation
technologies and supports learning about
system programming, networking and
data management, for example. The CP
Factory is also used for developing and
testing flexible software solutions, which
are then used in production. “The CP
Factory represents an important step
towards Industry 4.0 for the Festo training
factory in Scharnhausen,” says Klaus
Zimmermann, Head of Training and
Consulting at Festo Didactic Germany.
“In addition to further technological
development, interdisciplinary training
for employees is crucial.” And for Juliane
Körner, Industry 4.0 is no longer an
abstract term thanks to her work in the
training factory. When she looks over
the shoulders of her technical colleagues,
she can see with her own eyes how
production is going to change in the
future.
“I’m impressed to see how Festo employees are
offered learning opportunities, and not just
vocational training, throughout their working lives.”
Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,
during her visit to the Scharnhausen Technology Plant on 10 March 2016
2.2016 trends in automation
Impulse 22 – 23