Supporting community through digital design

visual aid mapping the development of industry 4.0 from the industrial revolution

Industrialization experienced four revolutionary periods. As society embraces AI technology, machine learning, big data and more, the Digital Design and Manufacturing Center supports Penn State Berks students and the local community as emerging technologies usher in the fourth generation of industrialization.

Credit: i-scoop.eu
 

The Digital Design and Manufacturing Center at Penn State Berks endeavors to facilitate the process of transferring Industry 3.0 and 4.0 technologies to companies participating in advanced manufacturing. Through this center, students can assist with company initiatives through internships in our established electro-mechanical engineering technology (EMET) and mechanical engineering (ME) degrees with full support and guidance from our highly qualified faculty. The center also allows for collaboration through cornerstone projects for first-year students and capstone projects for fourth-year students coordinated through the Berks Learning Factory. Additionally, the Digital Design and Manufacturing Center can offer faculty consultation through research grants.

infographic illustrating the components of industry 4.0, including autonomous robots, simulation, horizontal and vertical system integration, the industrial internet of things, cybersecurity, the cloud, additive manufacturing, augmented reality and big data and analytics

The fourth industrial revolution integrates advancing technologies. This infographic illustrates the components of industry 4.0, including autonomous robots, simulation, horizontal and vertical system integration, the industrial internet of things, cybersecurity, the cloud, additive manufacturing, augmented reality, big data and analytics.

Credit: BCG
 

Fostering experiential learning

Technology transfer can be accomplished through four initiatives:

  • Acquire equipment to facilitate the development of digital twins for products, production, and performance simulations;
  • Enhance our degree’s technical education for systems integration and digital manufacturing;
  • Assist companies to digitize engineering documentation and to embrace additive manufacturing techniques; and
  • Offer training classes for incumbent workers in state-of-the art production.
Infographic explaining the relationship of virtual product/production with real production/product

Smart manufacturing implements digital twins to optimize production. This infographic explains the relationship between virtual product/production and real production/product.

Credit: Siemens “MindSphere Whitepaper” p20
 

Contact the Digital Design and Manufacturing Center