The SeSi Institute (sustainable engineering systems), which is part of the Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR), specializes in the integration of electronics and computer technologies in industrial processes. Its latest project concerns the acquisition of a smart factory, a type of modular small-scale production chain. “It’s about adapting the content of our courses and our teaching to the new challenges that Industry 4.0 brings”, explains Nicolas Rouvé, Professor of industrial engineering and co-lead on the project with Raymond Riess. The latter, who is a robotics expert, adds: “Our students, who are already well-trained in functional analyses, have to expand their minds and learn to think in terms of a global business model, which can be further enhanced by the many innovation opportunities that are out there.” The mini-factory 4.0, which has been in operation since summer 2016, fosters synergies and the diverse skill sets that the HEIA-FR already has. In doing so, it paves the way for a new form of interdisciplinary and collective intelligence to emerge.

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