Abstract:

The growing pressure on creating safe and reliable production systems forces universities to follow the latest trends and methods of controlling and monitoring of the industrial processes. This fact motivates them to adapt their curricula and learning contents. This article presents how students can learn the principles of automation and controlling of technology processes via using stamping machine on the Automation seminars.
The main idea was based on designing an automatic machine, which is stamping plastics. The configuration of the machine allows via its modularity to teach the students on individual modules that have several functions. Thanks to this fact, the students can raise their knowledge of controlling DC motors, stepper motors, conveyor belts, 3-axis manipulators and pneumatic components. On the other hand, the construction of the machine allows simulating many cases from the practise (failures, errors, collisions, etc.). In addition to make the machine more suitable for wider learning area, an industrial camera and several current sensors were used to sense the quality of output product and to get feedback about the process. Thanks to these solutions the students can learn more about specific production processes, communication protocols and ways how to measure several physical quantities.

Keywords:

Innovative technologies, automation, learning model, student support in education.