In 2022, the EITM funded VR-PLC activity created introductory courses on PLCs and PLC programming. Instructions and exercises on PLC programming were conducted in an interactive, virtual learning environment in which learners can manipulate the virtual environment and observe the effect of their program. Through the virtual environments, the needs for real PLC hardware are reduced, making it easier, more flexible and more affordable for participants to strengthen their skills. In 2023, the consortium plans to build upon these results by expanding the programming exercises to intermediate and advanced levels, expand on topics like Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things, preparing professionals and their companies for the digital transformation. To increase the impact in 2023, the project will focus on the train-the-trainer approach. Instead of approaching individuals, the project focuses on VET trainers and professionals who are then skilled to continue with the education of others.

Im Rahmen des DFG Schwerpunktprogramms „Adaptive Modulbauweisen mit Fließfertigungsmethoden“ bearbeitet der LDE das Teilprojekt „Der digitale Zwilling für die schnelle und präzise Fertigung von Betonmodulen“.

Working with PLCs is becoming an even more important skill for shop-floor workers in the context of digitalization and Industry 4.0. In this projected an international consortium consisting of Ruhr-University Bochum, Łukasiewicz Institute for Sustainable Technologies, and LINPRA, the engineering and technology industries association of Lithuania, builds a workshop format for up-skilling of these workers on virtual PLC techno-educational stands to make them and their companies ready for the digital transformation.

Der Einsatz von Augmented Reality scheitert häufig an der Erstellung der Inhalte. An der Ruhr-Universität ist deshalb ein zentrales Content Management System im Einsatz.

In 2021, a team consisting of Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Vienna, Contact Software and the Institute for Training and Careers developed and delivered comprehensive and industry-centric workshops to bring AR to manufacturing.