About the project

The Digital Education Bridge serves as a booking platform that allows users to reserve machines and facilities within the Smart Factory. Designed for two user groups, Administrators and Students, the application incorporates a verification system that checks reservation statuses and ensures proper management of resources.

The Smart Factory serves as a pioneering laboratory for Industry 4.0 in East Westphalia-Lippe, offering a collaborative environment for companies and research institutions to design and develop the intelligent factory of the future. This facility, a joint initiative between the Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (TH-OWL) and the Fraunhofer Institute (IOSB-INA), provides extensive opportunities for innovation and experimentation in manufacturing processes.

The Smart Factory is equipped with advanced technology, including remotely controlled machines and computer-based robots. These capabilities enable real-time data exchange and automation, which are essential for optimizing production efficiency and flexibility. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies, the Smart Factory not only supports research and development but also facilitates the practical application of concepts related to smart manufacturing.

Challenges

The project posed a few challenges that we managed to overcome:

Integration of IoT Technology: Developing a system that could seamlessly connect with IoT devices and allow for remote operation.
User Access Management: Ensuring the system effectively managed permissions and roles for different user groups was crucial for security and functionality.
Real-Time Notification System: Implementing a robust notification system to keep users informed about their reservation statuses required careful planning and execution.

Solution

To address these challenges, we implemented the following solutions:

IoT Integration: The application uses MQTT for real-time communication with the Smart Factory’s equipment, enabling remote connections and management.
Dual Access System: A user-friendly interface was developed to cater to both Administrators and Students, ensuring that each group had appropriate access and functionality.
Verification System: The backend, built with Groovy, manages the reservation verification process, sending notifications directly to users via the web app and email based on their reservation status.

Technologies used

PostgreSQL

Groovy

MQTT

JavaScript

Velocity

Results

Although the Digital Education Bridge application is not yet live, the development process has already demonstrated significant potential benefits for the Smart Factory. The implementation of an IoT infrastructure and the booking system is expected to streamline equipment reservation processes, making it easier for students and administrators to manage resources effectively. By automating the verification of reservations and notifications, we anticipate a reduction in booking conflicts, which will enhance overall operational efficiency.

Additionally, the collaborative efforts in developing training programs will equip users with the necessary skills to maximize the system’s capabilities once it goes live. Overall, the project is on track to create a modern, efficient environment that fosters innovation and learning within the Smart Factory.

Perspective

Looking ahead, the Digital Education Bridge has the potential to transform the way TH-OWL manages its resources in the Smart Factory. Once launched, the application will not only enhance the booking experience but also serve as a foundation for future developments in smart manufacturing practices.

As the project progresses, ongoing feedback from users will be crucial in refining the system and ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the educational institution. Ascendro remains committed to supporting TH-OWL in its mission to lead in Industry 4.0 innovations, and we are excited to see how the Digital Education Bridge will facilitate learning and collaboration in the factory of the future.

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