Smart Factory test environment (SFT)

As part of the “Transfer Platform BW Industry 4.0” transfer initiative, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Systems has expanded its portfolio to include a smart factory test environment in collaboration with the Virtual Automation Lab (VAL) research institute and the Automation, Robotics, and Drive Technology (LAR), Machining and Machine Tools (LZW), and Forming Technology and Laser Material Processing (UTL) laboratories. To this end, manufacturing and assembly processes are to be equipped with modern IT technologies. These include physical assistance systems, such as cooperative and mobile robots, as well as virtual assistance systems based on digital twins and augmented and mixed reality environments. Individual machine tools (5-axis machining center, servo press) from the laboratories have been integrated into the Smart Factory test environment. These are physically networked with each other via flexible handling devices such as mobile robots (driverless transport systems, flying robots). Digital networking across all stations in the smart factory test environment is realized via an edge-cloud-based Digital Twin as a Service (DTaaS) platform developed at VAL. This platform enables easy networking of machines via OPC UA or MQTT and visualization of data via mobile devices and data glasses. On this basis, an Industry 4.0 control center equipped with modern cloud- and service-based methods is to be tested for the smart factory of the future.
Students at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences will gain early exposure to modern technologies at the interface between mechanical engineering and computer science and transfer the knowledge they acquire to companies. Industrial companies will also benefit and be able to test new technologies in a professional environment. The Faculty of Machines and Systems aims to facilitate and expand interdisciplinary collaboration on Industry 4.0 with other faculties. The Smart Factory test environment was built over four years and financed with strategic funds from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences and budgetary funds from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Systems. 

Smart Factory test environment team