École de Technologie Supérieure and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières team up with Famic Technologies for the development of a hybrid learning platform using digital twins in the manufacturing industry based on Automation Studio™ and Andon studio™ (Montreal, Canada) February 20th 2024 The education and technology transfer landscape has recently experienced significant upheavals. The increasing digitalization of different industrial sectors adds an additional challenge to training and technology transfer activities. These must be relevant and, above all, respond to new realities and new requirements: remoteness, regionalization of knowledge transfer, labour shortages, etc. The software, Automation Studio™ and Andon Studio™, fits perfectly into the new paradigms of Industry 4.0. This is the main challenge that businesses face; the use of these advanced tools leads to an innovative educational approach (case studies, application of the digital twin, hybrid transfer approach, modeling of multiphysics systems, etc.). For Famic Technologies, this is an important aspect in the development of talents for strategic sectors of activity. For École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), this involves strengthening collaboration with Famic Technologies, a world leader in the development of software for education, and to benefit from the outcomes of the collaboration to reinforce learning. This is precisely the objective of the educational material development project launched in collaboration between Famic Technologies, ÉTS and UQTR. These educational materials will be offered in two modes: in-person and remotely. It targets, among other things, the Bachelor's, Master's and DESS programs: #9038: Short 2nd cycle program in digital enterprise #2043: DESS in digital enterprise #4329: Certificate in Industrial Production Beyond theoretical notions on all the innovative technologies deployed, students must put into practice and assimilate these notions through laboratories and case studies (e.g. human-equipment collaborative laboratory, augmented reality, etc.) or even have access to case studies with simulation-assisted digital twins. Faced with the lack of time and resources for the acquisition of knowledge in traditional mode and in order to simplify the learning of fluid and industrial automation technologies, the solution of choice is based on an educational strategy integrating a virtual laboratory (VL) with Automation Studio™ and Andon Studio™ software. Automation Studio™ is the ultimate all-in-one business-oriented tool for teaching and training in automation, electricity, hydraulics, and pneumatics. It allows students and teachers to create, simulate, and troubleshoot circuits in these different technologies, individually or in combination. As for Andon Studio™, it offers a complete solution for real-time monitoring and optimization of factory production with an approach modeled on Industry 4.0 concepts. Thus, the virtual laboratory offers a unique solution for teaching and learning with an integrated global view of the various technologies used in a factory: the functioning of the factory’s systems with Automation Studio™ and the management of its operations with Andon Studio™. As for the management of training activities in the virtual laboratory, it is ensured by an LMS (Learning Management System). The virtual laboratory can also be combined with physical equipment, transforming it into a hybrid learning platform. The various systems of this equipment are implemented in Automation Studio™ and represent the latter’s digital twins. Thus, it is possible to simulate physical phenomena at play and present various operating situations, problematic or not, to which students will have to provide a solution and a critical evaluation. Practical sessions are made available while including a high level of complexity and a large number of manipulations, two essential elements in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The educational materials developed within the framework of the project will be translated into several languages broadening the scope of the project, and are planned to be transformed into open educational resources as defined according to United Nations requirements, and also made available to the teaching staff at the college, professional, and university levels. “The project to develop a hybrid learning platform on digital twins via Automation Studio™ and Andon Studio™ presents for us, engineering schools (ÉTS and UQTR, Quebec, Canada), an indisputable educational asset for training on the digital transition and on tools towards a smart factory." Antoine Tahan Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering School of Higher Technology / University of Quebec "This educational project realized in collaboration with FAMIC Technologies on the development of a hybrid learning platform on teaching the concept of digital twins in an industrial context is a key element of our recently introduced course on intelligent manufacturing systems as part of our Digital Enterprise master program at ÉTS. It allows us to teach the smart factory concept through a hands-on approach in order to prepare the students adequately to become Engineers of the Future." Lucas Hof, ing., Ph.D. Associate Professor Program Director of the Digital Enterprise program Department of Mechanical Engineering School of Higher Technology / University of Quebec "The partnership between ETS, UQTR, and FAMIC Technologies underscores the critical role of integrating digital twins via Automation Studio™ and Andon Studio™ into smart manufacturing initiatives. This collaboration highlights the significance of leveraging advanced technologies to enhance manufacturing processes. By joining forces, we aim to harness the power of digital twins, enabling real-time simulations and predictive analytics to optimize production efficiency, minimize downtime, and improve overall operational performance. This collaboration signifies a commitment to innovation and underscores the transformative potential of digital twin technology in driving the future of manufacturing." Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi, ing. Ph.D. Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières About ÉTS The École de technologie supérieure (ETS) is a constituent establishment of the Université du Québec. ÉTS, which specializes in engineering and technological transfer education as well as applied research, trains engineers and researchers who are recognized for their practical and innovative approach. Since its creation in 1974, ÉTS has pursued a mission that is deeply rooted in all its activities: To meet the needs of the industrial sector, which is in need of engineers who have not only a good theoretical background, but also practical knowledge. To fulfil this mission, ÉTS has a unique partnership with the business and industrial spheres that includes both small and large companies. It stands out from other universities in Quebec because of the applied training it offers students, as well as its research activities conducted by and for companies. About UQTR The engineering school at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) was established in 1980. Since its inception, the engineering program at UQTR has grown significantly, becoming recognized for its high-quality education and research in various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering. Over the years, the engineering school has expanded its offerings and developed state-of-the-art facilities to provide students with a dynamic learning environment conducive to academic and professional success. Through continuous innovation and dedication to excellence, UQTR's engineering school continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of engineering education and research in Quebec and beyond. About Famic Technologies At Famic Technologies, we are dedicated to deliver trade-oriented software solutions! Since its foundation in 1986, Famic Technologies has been offering a complete range of high-end products and services in the field of software engineering and industrial automation. Innovation, quality and performance have been the company cornerstones. Famic Technologies has always been one step ahead, especially with the development of Automation Studio™, the innovative system design and simulation software originally meant for education and training on fluid power systems, and which is now used throughout the industry in system design, engineering, maintenance, service and training. Media Contact: Josée Martineau jmartineau@famictech.com +1 (514) 748-8050 #257