CIM training and education - Principles and implementation

This paper details the educational goals and design concepts for the develo pment and implementation of a laboratory for teaching Computer Integrated M anufacturing concepts to future engineers. Specific curriculum development for Industrial Engineering and Management students and Mechanical Engineeri ng students at the undergraduate level are described. The actual laboratory implementation is elaborated. Necessary training developments and their im plementation and integration into the curriculum are detailed. Significance: The challenge of the the competitive industrial environment r equires to eliminate the gap between research, engineering and technologica l education for the future engineers. The paper outlines progressive advanc ements in the education program combining in-depth theoretical knowledge wi th practical and technological skills. The implementation of these principa ls in Israel technological education is desribed.