HRW learning factory for digital and sustainable production systems
The concept: a real laboratory for the transformation of SMEs
The learning factory for digital and sustainable production systems under the direction of Prof Dr Friedrich Morlock) is a realistic representation of a medium-sized production company(SME). We map the complete material and information flow here - from the raw material to the finished product.
Our aim is to make the transformation to a digital and sustainable factory (twin transition) tangible. The learning factory serves as a "real laboratory" for the human-technology-organisation system: here we not only research and teach modern technologies(digital twin, assistance systems, AI/industrial AI, etc.), but also how engineers will design these complex systems in ahuman-centric way in the future(human-centric production) and lead them in terms of engineering leadership.
Equipment & infrastructure
Our infrastructure reflects a typical "brownfield scenario" - i.e. the realistic transformation of existing structures towards Industry 4.0/5.0:
- Physical factory: Manual assembly lines (U-line) and logistics areas (Kanban racks)
- Digital factory: Mapping of processes in the digital twin using material flow simulation (Witness). This forms the data basis for future AI applications and scenario analyses.
- Planning & control: Use of haptic and digital PPS planning games to simulate planning strategies and bottleneck management.
Didactic concept: Action-Based Learning & Engineering Leadership
The learning factory is not only used for technological training, but also for the development of professional skills in the sense of engineering leadership. Our action-based learning approach enables students not only to understand complex production systems, but also to actively manage them.
- Role-specific simulation: Students slip into real industrial positions (e.g. production manager, process planner, worker). Through this change of perspective, they learn to understand different interests and negotiate viable solutions in a team.
- Design: The focus is on the active design of transformation processes. Students train "systems thinking" in order to harmonise technology, organisation and people.
- Strategic decisions: Students are confronted with conflicting goals in realistic scenarios (e.g. cost reduction vs. process stability). They learn to make strategic decisions under uncertainty, to set priorities and to represent these in a communicative manner - the foundation for modern engineering leadership.
Research & Transfer
The Learning Factory is an open platform for applied research and transfer to industry:
- Test field for SMEs: Companies can test new methods here (e.g. worker assistance or digital process recording) in a risk-free environment before intervening in their own production.
- Skills development (future skills): We are researching what skills engineers need for the factory of the future. One focus is on learning factory didactics for the development of problem-solving skills in technical projects.
Integration into teaching
The Learning Factory is an integral part of engineering education at the HRW Institute of Mechanical Engineering and is used in the following modules, among others:
- Factory organisation
- PPS concept development with AI support
- Production planning and control in the digital factory
- Sustainable factory operation through circular economy
Cooperation & Contact
We cordially invite companies and research partners to cooperate - whether for joint theses, research projects or the exchange of experience on AI and sustainability transformation in SMEs.
