Training Factory
Industry 4.0 24V

For communication with the fischertechnik Cloud, the TXT Controller requires firmware version 4.7.0.

For older versions, an update must be carried out.

The digitally driven change in industrial production requires stronger networking and more intelligent information at all levels of production. With fischertechnik Learning Factory 4.0, these digitization activities can be simulated, learned and applied on a small scale before they are implemented on a large scale. A highly flexible, modular as well as cost-effective and robust training and simulation model which can be used in an extremely useful way.

The fischertechnik learning environment is used for learning and understanding industry 4.0 applications in vocational school and training and for use in research, teaching and development at universities, in companies and IT departments. The simulation depicts the ordering process, the production process and the delivery process in digitized and networked process steps.

Instruction material for the Learning Factory Industry 4.0 24V

- New Version with TXT 4.0 Controller

Instruction material for the Training Factory Industry 4.0 24V

- Version with TXT Controller

The following topics can be addressed with fischertechnik Training Factory Industry 4.0:

Training and simulation on a realistic production image

Deepening learning through haptic comprehension

Optical and sensory applications

Digital traceability with NFC/RFID

Customer-specific production in batch size 1

Integrated cloud connection, control via smart devices

Use and operation of dashboards

Web-based remote monitoring

Linking of production and disposition data

Connection of upstream/downstream logistics processes

High-bay warehouse operates according to FIFO industry standard

Sample program as structured text (ST) for Siemens PLC S7-1500 already included, custom program creation by end-user is also possible

Cloud

The connection to the fischertechnik Cloud is established via the WLAN router supplied and integrated into the Learning Factory. We recommend using the Chrome or Firefox web browsers. The cloud can be used via a personal account that is created once. The cloud servers are located in Germany and ensure that the strict European requirements apply to the storage of data. Personal data is protected in an account with password access that uses the highly secure "OAuth2" industry standard. All data sent to the cloud is encrypted with certificates (https standard).

fischertechnik Cloud

Two dashboards, Raspberry Pi and Node-Red

The fischertechnik dashboard in the cloud can be accessed and operated via mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones as well as on laptops and PCs. In addition, a local dashboard, created with Node-RED, is implemented on the Raspberry Pi (IOT gateway), and custom dashboards can also be created via Node-RED. The dashboards included in the Learning Factory 4.0 allow platforms to be displayed from three different perspectives:

Customer view
Supplier view
Production view

Software

The PLC sample program for controlling the fischertechnik Learning Factory 4.0 was created on the basis of a Siemens S7-1500 and can be viewed, used free of charge and downloaded on Github: https://github.com/fischertechnik
Of course, the learning factory can also be controlled with other PLC models and brands and individual solutions can be programmed and implemented. It may be necessary to make small adjustments to the example program, which can be implemented independently.

Control of the system

The Learning Factory 4.0 24V is controlled by a PLC (brand-independent, not included in the scope of delivery) and comes with a ready-written example program (as structured text, ST). The program was created on the basis of a Siemens S7-1500 (details at www.fischertechnik.de/industrie-und-hochschule). The newly developed 24V adapter boards as an interface to the PLC are pre-assembled in the learning factory and are connected to the PLC via terminals.

Among other things, this latest generation of adapter boards can be used to

the speed of the encoder motors can be controlled via PWM
there are push/pull output stages for phototransistors and buttons

A fischertechnik TXT controller is also installed in the Learning Factory 4.0 24V. This is supplied with power via the adapter board and provides the connection to the fischertechnik Cloud. The TXT controller also communicates in MQTT to the IOT gateway (Raspberry Pi), which in turn translates to the PLC controller in OPC-UA. This allows the 9V-based components such as the environmental sensor, the USB camera, the brightness sensor and the NFC reader to be addressed via the MQTT interface and read out by the PLC. However, another function of the IOT gateway is likely to be even more interesting, namely the possibility of an optional connection to a separate cloud. The Learning Factory 4.0 thus offers maximum flexibility for the individual user.