Objectives and competences
The student will:
• knew the meaning, basics and essence of smart factories,
• will accept the basic concept and approaches in the design of I4.0 elements,
• AB will adopt the use of digital twins in engineering systems and processes,
• be able to judge how advanced technologies form the basis for the further development of I4.0.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Industrial revolutions history and I4.0
• Creative engineering and technology (design, basic technology, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, biotechnology, etc.)
• Comparison of classical production vs I4.0 production
• Characteristics of the 4th industrial revolution (velocity, scope and systems impact, paradigm shift in technology policy)
• I4.0 components (Cyber-physical systems, Internet of things – IoT, Cloud computing, Cognitive computing)
• Internet of everything (internet of things, internet of senses, internet of people) (IoE = IoT + IoS + IoP)
• Industrial internet of things (IIoT)
• People, machines and sensors real time connection
• Productivity and efficiency
• Smart factories and digitalisation
• New technologies transitions
• Big Data
• Cyber-Physical Systems
• Value chains in manufacturing companies
• Digital Twins
• Cloud Computing / Cloud Manufacturing
• The smart workpiece, coordination
• Security in I4.0 networks
• Assistance systems for production
• Human-robot collaboration
• Interoperability
• Connected factory
• Machine learning applicaton
• New I4.0 business models
Learning and teaching methods
• Classrom and e-lectures and execises,
• Consultations,
• Individual work,
• Literature review and discussion,
• Team work,
• Seminar work.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
At the end of the course, the students will be able to:
• understand the evolution of the industry from classic manufacturing to interactive customization,
• comprehend business model innovation through Industry 4.0,
• comprehend IoT, cyber-physical systems, cloud computing and big data, smart factories and their role in Industry 4.0.
• understand the opportunities, and challenges brought through Industry 4.0.
Readings
1. Balantič, Z., Balantič, B., & Jarc Kovačič, B. (2021). Digitalni dvojčki v ergonomskih ureditvah delovnih mest = Digital twins in ergonomic workplaces arrangements. In P. Šprajc, A. Žnidaršič, D. Maletič, D. Tomić, N. Petrović, O. Arsenijević, U. Vincenzo, & Y. Ziegler (Eds.), 40th International Conference on Organizational Science Development: values, competencies and changes in organizations (pp. 43–55). University of Maribor, University Press. doi:10.18690/978-961-286-442-2.4
2. Medved, T., Balantič, Z., & Jarc Kovačič, B. (2025). Optimizacija ocene ergonomskih tveganj z uporabo pospeškomerov v 4D okolju = Optimising ergonomic risk assessment using accelerometers in a 4D environment. 595–610. https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/962
Prerequisits
• There is no prerequisits.
• Prerequisite for admission to the written examination is active participation in the exercises (min. 80% attendance) and completed seminar work.
Additional information on implementation and assessment • seminar paper ( 40%)
• written exam ( 60%)
Note:
Positive assessment
• seminar paper (> 50%)
• written exam (> 50%)
