Abstract:

In this work, a study is developed in order to analyze which Industry 4.0 concepts should be included in future study plans of Naval Architect and Marine Engineering degrees. The results obtained from the study indicate that, in addition to including the knowledge of programming methodology and fundamentals of computers which are currently taught on the first course of both degrees, a simulation course that is currently not taught on any degrees should also be included. Simulation is a technology that allows us to transfer the real world to the virtual world, by creating 3D models that allow experience to be attained. Any thing or object, from machines and parts, to production lines or marine systems, can be developed by creating the so-called "digital double". The purpose pursued with the use of this technology is to attain experience a priori in order to prevent failures and subsequently having to work afterwards, since the later the errors are discovered, the more it will cost to correct them. With this subject, the degrees in these specialties will allow students to train, learn and practice prior to commissioning, which will lead to a reduction in costs and times, increases in productivity and energy savings, along with optimization and efficiency. In the particular case of Naval Architect and Marine Engineering degrees, there is the intention to teach the following models that will help represent a multitude of marine systems:
(i) Simulation of deterministic systems;
(ii) Simulation of stochastic systems (for example, simulating the behaviour of the sea) and
(iii) Simulation of systems based on discrete events. Other Industry 4.0 concepts will also be taught.

These will be related to manufacturing (such as additive manufacturing, CAD/CAM/CAE/CIM, etc.), logistics (such as new forms of life cycle management based on the absence of stocks), cloud computing and big data, among others, as they are transversal in nature and do not require specific training, which facilitates their integration into many of the existing subjects on the current degrees. Finally, concepts such as machine learning or cybersecurity, among others, should not, in the opinion of the research group, be integrated into the future study plans of these degrees.

Keywords:

Innovation, Technology, Industry 4.0, Simulation.