An interactive approach to teach automation in the training of the industry 4.0

In this paper, we propose a new method to teach automation in the training of industry 4.0. This method uses an interactive approach to help students rapidly familiarize with PLC programming. Computers are transformed into PLC training kits using Factory I/O – a 3D factory simulator and CodeSys – a development system. A series of training activities have been organized to encourage life-long learning among the students. Besides, a survey has been conducted with 20 students in first-year master Energy at Energy Master, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France. The results indicate that students are satisfied with this approach.