Since smart manufacturing involves designing, developing, and building automated production lines for various maritime sectors such as shipyards, ports logistics, and other maritime-based manufacturing/production, professional events play a crucial role in strengthening R&I capacity and inspiring young talents to become future engineers.
Students from UL visited TITUS Technologies, one of Slovenia’s leading companies in research, innovation and development (R&I&D) covering smart manufacturing systems and processes. This one-day event/workshop featured several key sessions, including education, training, brainstorming, and practical demonstrations, providing participants with insights into the entire product lifecycle.
In the first part of the workshop, participants explored TITUS’s product development process, including design, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA). They also gained an understanding of the company’s organizational structure (departments involved in the product lifecycle) and IoT approaches (ERP, MES, SCADA, PLM, etc.), ensuring efficient and transparent processes.
The second part focused on production systems and processes, particularly Die Casting Technologies and Automated Assembly Systems (production cells and lines). Participants visited the production hall, where the company builds automated production systems. For one of the currently developed production lines, they received a detailed explanation of its development phases, assembly, handling and transportation systems, as well as control mechanisms, process monitoring approaches, safety regulations, and system integration.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion where students had the opportunity to ask questions, share their perspectives, and reflect on the knowledge gained throughout the day. This exchange fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in smart manufacturing, encouraging participants to consider careers in engineering and industrial automation. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, such initiatives not only enhance students’ technical competencies but also equip them with practical insights essential for future innovation in maritime manufacturing.
Acknowledgment: The University of Ljubljana, on behalf of the Inno2mare project, extends its gratitude to Titus Technologies and its team, especially to Prof. Niko Herakovič (UL) and Mr. Igor Slavec (TITUS), for organizing and providing exceptionally high-quality professional guidance during the event.
