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Abstract
As the Internet cf Things (Tol) and artificial intelligence (Ai) continue to reshape the industrial landscape, the US manufacturing sector faces pressing challenges in bridging the skills gap. This issue is not merely about filling vacancies but adapting to the demands cf Al-centric mam,facturing roles. Traditional engineering curricula cfiten lag behind in catering to the requirements cf conten,porai y AI and loT paradigms. Recognizing this shor fall, Purdue University, in partnership with local industries, launched an innovative graduate course. This initiative is cnfed to equip engineering graduate students with a comprehensive graep tf data, from loT sensor and machine connectivity to its interpretation through AI-driven analytics. An integral part cf the course was the lab sessions, structured around hands-on activities. Through these labs, students had the opportunity to immerse in loT and Al-related technologies, gaining practical experience and insights. Building on the knowledge acquired in the lectures and labs, students performed on semester-term prcjects in collaboration with regional manifacturing con,panics. Beyond academic advancement, the course offers a unique opportunity for regional firms to harness the tranformative potential cf loT and AI, helping them navigate through their оperational challenges. This study delves into the courses pioneering design, rooted in the experiential learning theory (ELI), highlighting the sigп.ficant outcomes and showcasing the collaborative prcjects that seamlessly integrated classroom learning with practical, real-world applications.
1. Introduction
As Internet of Things (loT) and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape industrial processes and product lifecycles, the need for retraining current workers and attracting future ones to the manufacturing industry has grown. Nationwide, the US manufacturing sector is expected to have 2.IM unfilled jobs by 2030, a shortage that will be led by gaps in filling and retaining skilled positions. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that manufacturing jobs in Indiana grew back to pre-pandemic figures with a need for 526,000 workers in 2021, compared with 539,000 in 2019, resulting in the country's highest concentration of manufacturing jobs (Regions 2022). The problem further intensifies because although the manufacturing workforce growth results in new jobs and higher wages, manufacturers face challenges in recruiting well-qualified workers (ReliablePlant n.d.).
While reskilling and upskilling efforts will be needed for the current workforce, particularly in the plant floor, new jobs and occupations will...