Finger Lakes Community College Trains Incumbent Workers on Smart Manufacturing Skills
Project Objective
Develop basic and intermediate resources that can be used for educating incumbent workers and community college students. Accelerate adoption of Smart Manufacturing (SM) techniques at small and medium size businesses through targeted co-op experiences. P2TB16#y1
Benefits to Nation
Training community college students and incumbent workers in smart manufacturing technologies will enhance workforce readiness and drive economic growth. Equipping workers with advanced knowledge in smart manufacturing creates a skilled labor force capable of meeting the demands of modern manufacturers. These types of training initiatives lead to higher-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities for workers, thereby improving their quality of life and contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the nation.
Benefits to Industry
American workers that possess smart manufacturing skills are more adept at optimizing production processes, improving product quality, and reducing operational costs. All these outcomes increase industrial efficiency and competitiveness. With a workforce skilled in smart manufacturing, industry can more quickly adapt to changing market demands, implement cutting-edge solutions, and drive continuous improvement. This investment in human capital boosts productivity and ensures industry growth and resilience.
Technical Approach
Develop Smart Manufacturing educational resources which can also be used by incumbent workers and community college students. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and intermediate skills in use of sensors, data acquisition, data analytics, process modeling and control, digital twins, and industrial application of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. The program will leverage educational resources shared through prior CESMII educational projects.
Accomplishments
- Developed learning modules for community college students and incumbent workers to introduce Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) required for technicians in Smart Manufacturing Industry 4.0 environments.
- Introduced students to physics and calculus concepts needed to design system models and control processes.
- Introduced students to digital twin concepts via a hands-on lab for developing a table-top digital twin at the edge.
- Utilized and extended capability of the Smart Manufacturing Learning System (SMLS Amatrol 990 SM10), and through use of inexpensive sensors interfaced with Arduino Wi-Fi - transferring sensor data over MQTT to Borg Hub
- Delivered six Co-op Case Studies of Growing the SM Workforce, especially at Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Deliverables
- Delivered Complete Learning Modules for the following Smart Manufacturing topics: o Data Sources & Analytics System Models and Control o o IIoT and Industrial Cybersecurity Digital Twins o o Connected Workers
Reusable Outcomes
- Smart Manufacturing Technology training materials and manuals
- Complete program materials to establish an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) Degree in Smart Systems Technologies