The Connected Smart Manufacturing (CSM) system is a fully integrated educational platform developed through a partnership between industry leaders FANUC America, APT Manufacturing, and Rockwell Automation. It is designed for educational institutions that aim to provide students with the real-world skills demanded by the modern manufacturing sector. The system addresses the critical need for a smoother transition from the classroom to the industry by offering hands-on experience with a complete production line. Starting with raw materials and ending with a finished, palletized product, students learn to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot interconnected industrial equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for the technical challenges of day one on the job, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in a smart factory environment.
The CSM system provides a robust learning environment where students acquire a wide range of technical competencies. Participants engage directly with robot programming, PLC and HMI programming, 2D vision guidance, and network communications. They gain practical knowledge of essential manufacturing processes, including assembly, laser etching for serialization, packaging, and palletizing. A key focus is on developing advanced troubleshooting skills, as instructors can introduce faults into the system for students to diagnose and resolve. The curriculum also covers vital Industry 4.0 concepts like data analytics, part tracking with RFID, and recipe management. By working with this equipment, students develop a holistic understanding of how individual components function together in a complex, automated system.
| Feature Category | Details |
| Product dimensions | Varies by configuration. Contact Aidex for details. |
| Product weight | Varies by configuration. Contact Aidex for details. |
| Applicable education levels | High School Career Centers, Community Colleges, and Universities. |
| System Configurations |
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| APT Integration Features | Fully integrated line using FANUC and Rockwell products. Each cart can be detached for individual learning modules. Wireless connectivity between operations. |
| FANUC Robotics Options |
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| FANUC Robodrill CNC |
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| Rockwell Automation Features |
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| Project-Based Learning | Includes the PBL Dice Container project to apply learned skills. |
Aidex is proud to supply the Connected Smart Manufacturing (CSM) system to learning institutions across the Midwest. We are committed to equipping educators and students in the region with the industry-leading tools they need to succeed.
The curriculum is extensive, covering four main areas. It includes FANUC Robotics courses on HandlingTool Operation, iRVision, and Advanced TPP. It features CNC Concepts courses for machining and programming. Rockwell Automation courses cover Logix 5000 systems, ladder logic, FactoryTalk View, and industrial network architecture. Finally, APT Integration courses teach schematic reading, maintenance, troubleshooting, and advanced topics like I/O Link and RFID technology.
The target audience includes students and educators in high school career and technical centers, community colleges, and four-year universities. It is specifically designed for programs focused on advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, robotics, engineering, and mechatronics. The system serves as a capstone for students preparing to enter the industrial workforce as skilled technicians, operators, and integrators.
Yes, a key feature of the CSM system is its modular design. Each operation, from CNC tending to palletizing, is housed on a separate, wirelessly connected cart. This allows educators to detach individual carts from the main line and use them in a classroom setting for focused instruction on a specific technology or process.
Students can work towards several valuable industry-recognized certifications. These include FANUC Certified Operator (FCR-01 and FCR-02), NIMS certifications in CNC Mill Operations, and the comprehensive FANUC-Rockwell Level 3 Systems Integrator Certification, demonstrating a high level of competency in automation.
The system comes with a complete educational software package. This includes the FANUC Material Handling CERT Instructor Toolkit with ROBOGUIDE Simulation Software licenses and the Rockwell Automation EDU Toolkit Bundle, which provides access to Studio 5000 Logix Designer®, Studio 5000 View Designer, and over 100 other powerful Rockwell software applications.
For more information or to contact Aidex, your Authorized Reseller, call 800-251-9935 or email info@aidex.com.
If your wish list isn’t clear, your dreams won’t be either. When you model thoughtful planning for your CTE program, you’re teaching students how to turn their own dreams into reality.
