Mastering Automation: Hands-On Learning With Factory I/O
Keywords:
Automation, Factory I/O, Industry 4.0Abstract
Industry 4.0 requires engineering students to master not only theoretical skills, but also more practical skills. The Teaching and Learning Aid "Mastering Automation: Hands-On Learning with Factory I/O" was developed to enhance teaching and learning for students in the fields of engineering and automation. It provides a comprehensive guide to help students learn basic automation systems, from Factory I/O simulation to implementation in real-world situations using PLC systems. This TLA was produced starting with completing a work process simulation using Factory I/O, then programming the PLC with STEP7 and designing the HMI interface through SKTOOLS. The results of the pilot test show that student engagement and understanding are increasing. Through this approach, students' Industry 4.0 skills can be improved to meet industry needs
References
Aswardi, A., Yanto, P. T. P., Dewi, C., Zaswita, H., Kabatiah, M., & Kurani, R. (2023). Human Machine Interface-Based Control Training Kit as Innovative Learning Media to Enhance Students' Automation Control Skills in the Industry 4.0 Era. TEM Journal, 12(4).
Bondin, A., & Zammit, J. P. (2025). Education 4.0 for Industry 4.0: A Mixed Reality Framework for Workforce Readiness in Manufacturing. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 9(5), 43.
Elendu, C., Amaechi, D. C., Okatta, A. U., Amaechi, E. C., Elendu, T. C., Ezeh, C. P., & Elendu, I. D. (2024). The impact of simulation-based training in medical education: A review. Medicine, 103(27), e38813.
Erickson, M., Marks, D., & Karcher, E. (2020). Characterizing Student Engagement with Hands-On, Problem-Based, and Lecture Activities in an Introductory College Course. Teaching & Learning Inquiry, 8(1), 138-153.
Foster, J., & Yaoyuneyong, G. (2016). Teaching innovation: equipping students to overcome real-world challenges. Higher Education Pedagogies, 1(1), 42-56.
Garcia-Moran, E., Esqueda, D., Solis-Cordova, J. D. J., Villagomez, L., Morano, H., & Ramirez, R. (2021). Industry 4.0 Competencies as the Core of Online Engineering Laboratories. Design and Technology Education, 26(3), 30-51.
Hernandez-de-Menendez, M., Escobar Díaz, C. A., & Morales-Menendez, R. (2020). Engineering education for smart 4.0 technology: a review. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM), 14(3), 789-803.
Kataria, D., Sanchez, G., & Govindasamy, S. (2024). Fundamentals of Automation Engineering: A hybrid project-based learning approach. International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Education, 61(3), 279-293.
Kirchner, M. D. (2017). Teaching the industrial internet of things. Mequon, Wisconsin.
Marsono¹, M., Zaeni, I. A. E., Mindarta, E. K., Khasanah, F., Permanas, R. F., & Zahra, S. M. (2025). PLC Based to Improve Students' Learning Motivation. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 3rd Lawang Sewu International Symposium on Humanities and Social Sciences 2024 (LEWIS HUSO 2024).
Pantzos, P. (2025). Students’ motivation in Challenge-Based Learning in Higher Engineering Education: A scoping review. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy(6).
Singh-Pillay, A. (2024). Exploring science and technology teachers’ experiences with integrating simulation-based learning. Education Sciences, 14(8), 803.
Vargas, H., Heradio, R., Donoso, M., & Farias, G. (2023). Teaching automation with Factory I/O under a competency-based curriculum. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 82(13), 19221-19246.
Xu, J., Zheng, S., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Development of a Virtual Simulation-Based Automated Production Line Experiment Platform. Paper presented at the 2024 5th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Engineering (ICAICE).
Zheng, P., Yang, J., Lou, J., & Wang, B. (2024). Design and application of virtual simulation teaching platform for intelligent manufacturing. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 12895.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nor hafzan, KHAIRIL CHE MAT, MASRUL NIZAM MAHMOD

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The authors of MJII retain copyright to the content of the articles.
The content is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 which allows content to be copied, adapted, displayed, distributed, republished, or otherwise re-used for any purpose, including for adaptation and commercial use provided the content is attributed without any restriction.
Authors Rights
The Journal grants you the following non-exclusive rights, subject to giving propoer acknowledgement to the original journal. The authors may:
(i) to reprint or reproduce the contribution, in whole or in part, in any publication of your interest.
(ii) to use material for teaching purposes; including availability of the matarial in academic course.
(iii) to post a copy of the contribution on your personal or institutional web server, provided that the server is non-commercial and there are no charges for access, and
(iv) to deposit a copy of the contribution in a non-commercial data repository maintained by an institution of which you are a member.
Author's Agreement
Author(s) guarantee the journal the following:
(i) that the contribution is their original work;
(ii) that it contains, no matter what, content that is defamatory or is otherwise unlawful or which invades rights of privacy or publicity or infringes any proprietary rights (including copyright);
(iii) that the contribution has not been published elsewhere in whole or in part and that no agreement to publish is outstanding other than this agreement. Author(s) agree to be responsible and hold the journal, its editors, staff and affiliate organizations harmless against any claims arising from or related to the breach or inaccuracy of any of the guarantees listed above.
Disclaimer
The editorial team of the MJII and the publication team of Academica Press Solutions share no responsibility regarding the views and opinions expressed by the authors.
The content published in MJII is Open Access and can be shared, adapted, reproduced, reprinted, after appropriate acknowledgment and giving due credit to the author(s) work.