Learning Factory - Project examples

What kind of problems can you think of- that can be simulated?

“Learning Factories” definitions below according to Encyclopedia CIRP, see Abele, E. (2016).
Learning Factory. CIRP Encyclopedia of Production Engineering.

“A Learning Factory in a narrow sense is a learning environment specified by:

• processes that are authentic, include multiple stations, and comprise technical
as well as organizational aspects,

• a setting that is changeable and resembles a real value chain,

• a physical product being manufactured, and

• a didactical concept that comprises formal, informal and non-formal learning,
enabled by own actions of the trainees in an on-site learning approach.

Depending on the purpose of the Learning Factory, learning takes place through
teaching, training and/or research. Consequently, learning outcomes may be
competency development and/or innovation. An operating model ensuring the
sustained operation of the Learning Factory is desirable.
In a broader sense, learning environments meeting the definition above but with

• a setting that resembles a virtual instead of a physical value chain, or

• a service product instead of a physical product, or

• a didactical concept based on remote learning instead of on-site learning

can also be considered as Learning Factories.”

Abele, E. (2016)

The book presents the background, pedagogy/didactic-approach and a large number of examples- mostly in Germany, though there are variants many places, and a few other names are used....

About this book

This book presents the state of the art of learning factories. It outlines the motivations, historic background, and the didactic foundations of learning factories. Definitions of the term learning factory and a corresponding morphological model are provided as well as a detailed overview of existing learning factory approaches in industry and academia, showing the broad range of different applications and varying contents. Learning factory best-practice examples are presented in detailed and structured manner. The state of the art of learning factories curricula design and their use to enhance learning and research as well as potentials and limitations are presented. Further research priorities and innovative learning factory concepts to overcome current barriers are offered. While today numerous learning factories have been built in industry (big automotive companies, pharma companies, etc.) and academia in the last decades, a comprehensive handbook for the scientific community and practitioners alike is still missing. The book addresses therefore both researchers in production-related areas, that want to conduct industry-relevant research and education, as well as managers and engineers in industry, who are searching for an effective way to train their employees. In addition to this, the learning factory concept is also regarded as an innovative learning concept in the field of didactics.

See the link above for a book description, including table of contents. The first few chapters are a good start and intro:

Vocational training through NCE Manufacturing and MTNC, Raufoss, Norway

Links (in Norwegian):

https://ncemanufacturing.no/laeringsfabrikken

https://mtnc.no/minifabrikk-laeringsfabrikken/

Video (KPI-NTNU project visit 2021):

Link to shared video (HK-dir supported project)