Festo Didactic Inc. and z Space, Inc. today announced their partnership to combine Festo’s practical, hands-on training in the electrical and mechatronics disciplines with z Space’s AR/VR platform. This program reflects the goal of providing cutting-edge learning opportunities to students in order to prepare them for occupations driven by technology, which is shared by Festo and z Space’s education partners. This collaboration also advances Festo and z Space’s goal of developing a skilled labor force prepared to take on complex technical problems in the real world.
The platform offered by z Space is a complete solution that includes software, standards-aligned content, professional development, and Windows-based augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) laptops. Using experiential learning experiences that are in line with industry certifications, the Inspire laptop, which boasts an ultra-high-definition stereo display and a powerful CPU, supports workforce training applications in STEM, Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Transportation, Agriscience, and Computer Science. One essential tool that lets people “reach into” screens and interact with virtual objects as if they were real, is the stylus. It is especially helpful in educational and professional contexts, offering an immersive learning environment that helps improve comprehension and memory of difficult ideas.
“Introduction to Mechatronics,” “Introduction to Electricity,” and “Festo Certification Program Level 1: Fundamentals of Electricity” will be the initial courses offered. Using immersive simulation settings on z Space’s AR/VR laptop, these applications will introduce electrical components and equipment in a complete way. The Mechatronics curriculum offers a wide range of subjects, including pneumatics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and system integration. It also includes preassembled stations that replicate actual industrial operations. Festo’s Industry 4.0 Certification Program (FICP) will provide more sophisticated training during the second phase of the implementation.
