A cost-effective modular laboratory solution for industrial automation and applied engineering education

Area of Science:

• Engineering Education
• Industrial Automation
• Control Systems

Background:

• Traditional industrial automation training setups are often prohibitively expensive for educational institutions and individuals.
• There is a need for accessible and cost-effective solutions to train students in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a cost-effective, modular PLC lab for hands-on industrial automation education.
• To provide a scalable and interactive learning environment for trainees to gain practical experience with PLCs.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular PLC lab accommodating ten pairs of trainees for simultaneous experimentation.
• Creation of tailored modular simulation kits for diverse applications like traffic lights, elevators, and automated filling systems.
• Integration of input/output interfaces supporting various input and output devices for realistic training.

Main Results:

• The developed PLC lab offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional, expensive systems.
• The modular setup facilitates hands-on learning and practical skill development in industrial automation.
• Trainees can prepare, test, and verify PLC code in real-time on the simulation kits.

Conclusions:

• The affordable, modular PLC lab effectively meets educational objectives for industrial automation training.
• The system promotes interactive learning, builds essential automation skills, and enhances trainee confidence.
• This solution addresses the need for accessible PLC education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.