Signing MoU with SMC Corporation of India Pvt. Ltd.
IHub Drishti Foundation (IIT Jodhpur) is joining hands with SMC India through a CSR collaboration to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Industry 4.0 Technologies. This historic collaboration marks a significant milestone — powering world-class research, cutting-edge skilling programs, high-value jobs, and entrepreneurship for the youth.
Introduction
The establishment of a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Industry 4.0 Technologies aims to create a state-of-the-art training, research, and innovation hub that bridges academic learning with industrial practice. The CoE will be equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced mechatronics, automation, robotics, fluid power, and digital manufacturing trainer systems, enabling students, researchers, and industry professionals to gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies that define the future of smart factories.
The laboratory will include basic trainer kits in pneumatics, electro-pneumatics, hydraulics, electro-hydraulics, PLCs, vacuum systems, automation handling devices, and energy-saving modules, along with advanced automation cells, flexible assembly lines, and robotic storage systems. To provide basic understanding of newer technology trends in Automation and Industry 4.0 while augmenting in computer vision and AR/VR technologies, the CoE will incorporate Industrial vision systems, collaborative robots, augmented reality platforms, animation software, simulation tools, and digital twin development software for alignment with computer vision & AR/VR centric focus of TIH iHub Drishti.
Objectives of the CoE
It is proposed to undertake three broad objectives under the CoE:
- Create workforce readiness for Industry 4.0
- Hierarchical learning and training with scalable, modular systems of Industry 4.0
- Establish research synergy with Industrial Standards
CoE has a strong emphasis on training students and professionals in advanced industrial automation. The goal is to expose users with hands-on experience using real industrial components. The training imparted will prepare users to operate in digitally integrated, smart manufacturing environments. The users will develop competencies in pneumatics, hydraulics, robotics, PLC programming, artificial vision, collaborative robotics and AR/VR technologies.
Technologies under CoE are designed with modularity and scalability to suit different training levels — from basic circuit-building in pneumatics to complex robotic assembly using collaborative robots (cobots). This progression enables stepwise learning aligned with educational curricula and expansion into new technologies as institutional needs evolve.
All components used (valves, sensors, cylinders, PLCs, etc.) in stations under CoE are industrial-grade which ensures relevance to actual job environments. The practical activities in CoE will instill familiarity with globally accepted standards such as ISO symbols, IO-Link communication, and Profinet networks.
Scope of Technologies Covered under CoE
- Electropneumatic & Vacuum Technology Kits for basic to intermediate-level pneumatics and automation training.
- Electrohydraulic systems suited for courses in fluid power, machine control, and system design.
- PLC Integration and Programming to enable programmatic control of electropneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- Basic Automation Trainers for introductory automation and material handling training.
- Advanced Automation Trainers for advanced training and research in smart manufacturing.
- Mechatronics & Industry 4.0 stations for engineering, industrial automation, and mechatronics programs.
- Computer Vision for optical character recognition and verification for identification of components on assembly line, quality, quantity and label orientation inspection for assembly line.
- Augmented Reality for digital transformation of assistance, operation and collaboration with deskless workforce.