Integrating the Concept of Industry 4.0 by Teaching Methodology in Industrial Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

The movement to digitally transform Saudi Arabia in all sectors has already begun under the “Vision 2030” program. Consequently, renovating and standardizing production and manufacturing industries to compete with global challenges is essential. The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) triggered by the development of information and communications technologies (ICT) provides a baseline for smart automation, using decentralized control and smart connectivity (e.g., Internet of Things). Industrial engineering graduates need to have acquaintance with this industrial digital revolution. Several industries where the spirit of Industry 4.0 has been embraced and have already implemented these ideas yielded gains. In this paper, a roadmap containing an academic term course based on the concept of Industry 4.0, which our engineering graduates passed through, is presented. At first, an orientation program to students elaborating on the Industry 4.0 concept, its main pillars, the importance of event-driven execution, and smart product manufacturing techniques. Then, various tasks in developing a learning factory were split and assigned among student groups. Finally, the evaluation of student potential in incorporating the Industry 4.0 concept was analyzed. This methodology led to their professional skill development and promoted students’ innovative ideas for the manufacturing sector.