A Collaboratively Developed Platform to Introduce Fundamentals of IoT and IIoT

Abstract

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a core technology of Industry 4.0 capable of providing transformative data and insights. Successful implementation of IIoT requires knowledge bridging the Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) domains. This work presents a collaborative effort between multiple industry partners and academia to provide a comprehensive, cost-effective orientation to IIoT scoped for an undergraduate engineering audience. The outcome is a scalable solution that allows for the presentation and development of core skills focused on IoT concepts, cloud, edge, on-premises, hybrid IIoT solutions, data fundamentals, monitoring, control, analysis, and data applications utilizing IIoT systems and devices. Presentations also focus on demonstrating the best methods for securely deploying IIoT technologies in hybrid architectures. In addition to serving as a pathway to safely prepare and upskill students before they engage with industrial-scale systems in the learning factory, the platform also serves as a foundation for a new undergraduate curriculum for preparing graduates for Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry.

Keywords: IoT, IIoT, IT, OT, AI, ML, training, convergence, informatics