SDNB Raises Awareness for Fourth Industrial Revolution

Industry 4.0 - the fourth industrial revolution - is changing the face of manufacturing. Where the third industrial revolution introduced computers and automation, Industry 4.0 facilitates the “connected enterprise” where machines talk to one another both within a factory setting as well as across the globe to connect entire supply chain and distribution systems.

On May 8, from 3:30-7:30 p.m., the School District of New Berlin is hosting an Industry 4.0 Community Information Night for district residents, community members, and higher education and industry partners who have been informing and supporting this work in the M7 economic development region. This event will take place in the engineering labs at New Berlin Eisenhower, 4333 S. Sunnyslope Road.

The event’s open house format will provide flexibility for attendees along with “top-of-the-hour” presentations to help attendees understand what Industry 4.0 is, why it matters, and how to prepare for it. Participants will be able to experience equipment demonstrations, network with companies that are exploring how to leverage (and/or implementing) Industry 4.0, and talk with higher education partners who are exploring ways to advance shared objectives in the region. Students will be able to better understand coursework and learning experiences that will help them develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed in advanced manufacturing careers.

Industry 4.0 moves beyond automation and robotics to include data exchanges, cloud computing, cyber-physical systems, Big Data, AI, IoT and (semi-)autonomous industrial techniques to support a truly connected enterprise solution.

“The disruptive impact these technologies will have on our industries in southeastern Wisconsin is important for our students to understand so they know how to prepare for the future world of work,” said SDNB's Laura Schmidt. “Simply put, technological literacy matters across all industries.”

The SDNB recently redesigned its manufacturing foundations program to incorporate Industry 4.0 concepts. For example, in an effort to support the needs of current partners and prepare students for the future, the new How Machines Work course will provide exposure to both traditional and next generation manufacturing. The curriculum was informed, in part, by the work of the M7 Regional Talent Partnership’s Industry 4.0 Committee.

Students will have hands-on experiences where they can manufacture a number of products and understand how technology is used to increase productivity, troubleshoot machines, and connect disparate systems. Student interest in the new course exceeded expectations. The district currently has 70 students enrolled for the 2018-19 school year and is planning to run sections at both New Berlin West and New Berlin Eisenhower.

Equipment funding is a significant barrier for districts to be able to offer this kind of programming. Pindel Global Precision has stepped forward to offer the SDNB a leadership gift to support the new equipment and has pledged an additional $10,000 in dollar-for-dollar matching for every private donation made to SDNB equipment needs.

“The M7 region’s manufacturing and automation history and its ongoing investments in capability and technical education uniquely positions the region within the United States as an industry cluster for intelligent automation,” said Bill Berrien, Chief Executive Officer, Pindel Global Precision. “We are trying to do everything we can to enable the regional education environment and its students to play a valuable role in, and grow with, that industry cluster within southeast Wisconsin.”

Stanek Tool was the first to pledge support for the matching grant. Those interested in supporting the district’s equipment needs are encouraged to contact Schmidt at Laura.Schmidt@nbexcellence.org for more information.

The district’s “How Machines Work” course will also expand on the learning opportunities associated with fluid power already offered by the district. As a result, the National Fluid Power Association has pledged a gift of $24,000 to subsidize the cost of the mechatronics units needed.

In addition to help with equipment, many local companies have offered curriculum support. Waukesha County Technical College will be running a workshop for all course participants to leverage the robotics equipment in the WCTC Advanced Manufacturing Center so the district does not have to purchase its own.

“We could not be more appreciative of the community’s support of our efforts to ensure that the district’s offerings are aligned to the needs of the projected economy in which students will work someday,” Schmidt said.

While registration for the Industry 4.0 Community Information Night is not required, it is appreciated to assist with planning. Please see https://www.nbexcellence.org/district/industry-4-community-info-night.cfm for more information.