CIM training and education - Principles and implementation

This paper details the educational goals and design concepts for the development and implementation of a laboratory for teaching Computer Integrated Manufacturing concepts to future engineers. Specific curriculum development for Industrial Engineering and Management students and Mechanical Engineering students at the undergraduate level are described. The actual laboratory implementation is elaborated. Necessary training developments and their implementation and integration into the curriculum are detailed. Significance: The challenge of the the competitive industrial environment requires to eliminate the gap between research, engineering and technological education for the future engineers. The paper outlines progressive advancements in the education program combining in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical and technological skills. The implementation of these principals in Israel technological education is desribed.