On December 10, 2024, first-year Digital T Level students from Solihull College & University Centre visited the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) Hub for an engaging and insightful session.
This visit marked the first of three planned sessions designed to explore the intersection of digital technology and Industry 4.0. Students were introduced to the hub and the concept of Industry 4.0, as well as gaining hands-on experience in the smart factory. They had the opportunity to create a product using both the automated factory system and manual methods on individual machines.
During the session, students explored how factory systems are programmed, the types of data collected, and how technologies like augmented reality (AR) and machine vision are used to streamline processes. The day concluded with a discussion led by Operations Manager Mairi Kerin, where students presented innovative ideas on how artificial intelligence (AI) could further integrate into factory operations.
The upcoming sessions will focus on:
- Programming and interacting with machines using NodeRed, delivered by an external expert from Didactic Services.
- Operational Technology and Cybersecurity, particularly in an Industry 4.0 context, to address the critical challenges of securing modern digital infrastructures.
This experience complements the students’ coursework in the T Level in Digital Production, Design, and Development program. This forward-thinking course equips learners with the technical and practical skills needed to thrive in the digital sector, focusing on areas like coding, data analysis, and problem-solving for real-world applications.
Discover more about this exciting course here: T Level in Digital Production, Design & Development.
