An interdisciplinary digital learning and research factory: The Smart Production Lab

Abstract

To accelerate digital transformation processes, more efforts are needed both in applied research and development as well as in practical implementation. For this reason, numerous learning and research factories have been build up during the last decade. The aim of this paper is to present an interdisciplinary concept model for a learning and research factory aiming to increase significantly the digital competences of concerned stakeholders. The proposed model has three dimensions: (i) content, (ii) function and (iii) methodology and is realized through a specific structure (Lab-in-Lab). Based on this concept model, the Smart Production Lab (Smart Lab) has been designed and implemented by the Institute of Industrial Management at FH JOANNEUM University of applied sciences, Austria. Essentially the Smart Lab is about the digital transformation of connecting businesses – horizontally along the entire value chain and vertically with focus on data generation, integration, and usage. The development of use cases in the two maturity levels – state-of-the-art and research – allows the transfer of knowledge of digital transformation processes for companies as well as active learning scenarios for the qualification of future industrial engineers. As an innovative experimental environment, the Smart Lab addresses companies, researchers, students, and – with the integrated fabrication laboratory (FabLab) – the interested public in general.