Hands-on Learning Modules for Upskilling in Industry 4.0 Technologies

Abstract

The Industry 4.0 (I4.0) advent is re-shaping the way systems and processes operate by considering Cyber- Physical Systems combined with a plethora of emergent Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), e.g., Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Intelligent Robotics. However, the emergence of such disruptive technologies strongly establishes a demand for upskilling and requalification of active professionals and young undergraduate students. This means that the wide adoption of the 14.0 systems and related tech-nologies is dependent on the efficient implementation of lifelong learning and training initiatives that address these challenges. Having this in mind, this paper describes the implementation of a series of short learning modules and hackathons that relies on a strong hands-on practical experimentation, regarding the upskilling in emergent ICT technologies, particularly focusing on IoT, mobile robotics and Multi-agent Systems. The preliminary efforts contributed to qualify undergraduate students and active professionals in disruptive ICT, with the attendees' feedback illustrating the importance of these kind of short and hands-on learning modules to address towards the continuous demands associated to the diaital transformation.