To deeply promote the industry-university-research cooperation, explore cutting-edge trends of disciplines, and strengthen international exchanges and cooperation, Ms. Zhang Fen, Chairman of MSE, Associate Prof. Chen Bing, Director of experimental teaching, and Ms. Li Juan, Deputy Director of the Experimental Teaching Center, conducted a series of research visits to leading enterprises and laboratories in relevant disciplines across Europe from March 30 to April 3. This overseas visit aimed to advance MSE’s innovation development in teaching, scientific research and talent cultivation, while establishing collaborations with top-tier European enterprises and laboratories.
On March 31, the MSE delegation visited Schneider Electric, their first stop during the European tour. During the visit, the delegation gained in-depth insights into Schneider Electric’s innovative technologies in industrial digital transformation as a leading enterprise in energy management and automation. These included advanced open automation and edge computing technologies, cooling solutions for data centers, as well as comprehensive smart factory solutions spanning equipment interconnectivity to process optimization. Both sides held discussions on integrating cutting-edge technologies into mechanical engineering education, and planned to innovate teaching by Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies.
On April 1, the MSE delegation visited Dassault Systèmes and learnt about its digital solutions in multiple fields, involving multi-field digitalized solutions of 3D design, engineering, manufacturing, etc. and applications to industrial design, aerospace, automobile manufacturing, etc. Both sides had an in-depth exchange on the application of these technologies in mechanical engineering, and also discussed the possibilities of industry-university-research cooperation.
On April 2, the delegation had exchanges with the L3S Research Center and the Fraunhofer Institute. The three parties focused on the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the field of mechanical engineering, and shared their experiences in scientific research and teaching. Subsequently, they visited the Hannover Messe, a large global industrial exhibition, which exhibited the latest technologies and innovative achievements in industrial field worldwide, reflecting the vigorous development trend of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing.
On April 3, the delegation visited the Smart Factory OWL, Phoenix Contact and Lenze AG. As a demonstration base of Industry 4.0 in Germany, the Smart Factory OWL showcased advanced intelligent manufacturing technologies and application scenarios of the industrial Internet of Things. Phoenix Contact and Lenze AG demonstrated their professional capabilities in electrical connection technologies, drive and automation systems, etc. Through on-site inspections and exchanges with the enterprise technicians, the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of the actual operation mode, key technologies and industrial development needs of smart factories in the context of Industry 4.0, which can serve as cases and basis for the institute's practical teaching and scientific research projects.
This visit was sponsored by the Lab and Equipment Administration Department of HUST, establishing a collaborative bridge between our institute and leading European enterprises and scientific research institutions. After this visit, MSE will further optimize its teaching and research system, strengthen cooperation with international advanced entities, advance the in-depth development of industry-university-research collaborations, and cultivate more high-quality mechanical engineering talents aligned with contemporary needs, while contributing to industry advancement and technological innovation.
