Studica Ltd, has partnered with Burton Electro-Technical to create a new way to teach Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Automation to Secondary and Post-Secondary students.

Bringing PLC into the Classroom

Norman Burton of Burton Electro-Technical has just completed an installation for a University in Ontario which included PLC integration with the fischertechnik 3D Robot and the fischertechnik Indexed Line.  These 24V models made an ideal addition to this system with a real world application and an output and results process mimicking industrial assembly lines and automation systems. Programmable Logic Controllers use a variety of complex programming languages that can be difficult to teach. Norman and his team were able to take this complex system and present it in a way which students understand.

The Machining Station Control Systems Integration with HMI (Human Machine Interface) that Burton Electro-Technical setup involved the two fischertechnik models working in tandem with each other, an HMI integrated with the Control System, a PLC Trainer 1200 from IKHD Systems with a Siemens PLC, and a remote PLC Signal Module.

Automation, PLC and fischertechnik

Burton Electro-Technical has a very unique and effective set of PLC and Automation Training Systems which all run very well with the fischertechnik 24V Training Systems.  Burton has a solution for College and University programs as well as turn-key systems that are a great fit for High Schools. Secondary School students are beginning to learn advanced programming techniques, automation, control systems, and logic in a way that is fun and easy to learn, teach, and use.

The SRT100-DAI is an Industrial Controls Trainer that allows teachers and students to develop logic skills and control system knowledge. This Programmable Smart Relay and Digital/Analog Interface offers interesting and easy-to-use lab exercises that covers a gambit of STEM education concepts. Simple DC Signal Labs, Digital Logic Gates and Function Block, Ladder Logic Programming, Analog Comparable Functions, and Binary Code and Instrumentation can all be easily taught with this training system.

The system set up at this University was designed specifically to meet the program’s needs.  Instead of having several controls and programs that need to work together they were able to adapt one PLC to control the entire system. This system is being used to simulate a real world automation environment with the ability to add faults that necessitate troubleshooting.  Please check out the video above to see it in action.  For more info on how to add integrated systems to your classroom please give us a call.