Industrial Automation Education Through Industrial–based System

Abstract

Automation technology has grown very rapidly over the last few decades. The automation technology pyramid consists of five layers such as Physical Devices, Local Logic and Control, SCADA, MES and ERP from bottom to top. The pyramid can be as simple as a stand-alone controller up to a bigger industrial network and control. Generally, the three lower layers are taught at undergraduate level, whilst the knowledge on MES and ERP are gained either at advanced study or during work. In order to meet the requirements of the first three layers, subjects such PLC, sensor technology, Industrial networking are taught separately. However, at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI) a different approach is used whereby the above mentioned subjects are taught independently at lower semesters and an integrated system approach is undertaken at higher semester to reinforce learning. This is done through the use of industrial based systems equipped with sensors, actuators and controllers that are networked together. This paper describes how the industrial based system is being used to conduct the subject in order to enhance the students’ multiple skills in industrial automation.