Siemens Digital Industries (DI) has welcomed two new universities to its Connected Curriculum programme, offering the chance to engage with dozens of businesses to enhance teaching and learning.

The announcement of Sheffield Hallam University and the University of the West of England brings the number of universities to join the programme to 10.

The programme uses curriculum examples, case studies and real-life problem-solving tutorials to offer a practice-based learning platform. Students gain access to Siemens’ simulation software, including NX Mechatronics Concept Designer, Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, PLCSIM Advanced, TIA Portal, MindSphere and Mendix. Universities use the platform’s technological capabilities to engage with businesses to develop teaching.

Using the digital twin technology, the learners have identified manufacturing productivity improvements and provided the company with a range of alternative production line configurations and insights
– Daniel Wilks, Dana TM4

For example, says Siemens DI, students at the University of Exeter helped Devon-based manufacturer Dana TM4 improve its production line using the Connected Curriculum’s software to create a ‘digital twin’ of the production line to help identify improvements in the process.

Daniel Wilks, advanced manufacturing engineering manager at Dana TM4, said the collaboration “shows how quickly they can use these tools to derive valuable insights for local manufacturers”.

“Using the digital twin technology, the learners have identified manufacturing productivity improvements and provided the company with a range of alternative production line configurations and insights.

“It has been great to have students use Siemens’ technology and provide an outside perspective for our production units. The exercise helps us in reinforcing our own findings and move ahead with our planned upgrades and changes to increase productivity.”

Fellow participant Teesside University is using Connected Curriculum to support local SMEs with the development of bespoke MindSphere applications. Teesside has appointed Ross Caddens – director of UK PreSales and Business Development for Siemens Digital Industries Software – a visiting professor in Cyber-Physical Design. This Royal Academy of Engineering funded-award has allowed Caddens to work with staff to support students on a range of leading-edge technology projects.