iLS – Industrial Learning System

Overview of the iLS – Industrial Learning System

The Industrial Learning System, or iLS, by APT Manufacturing Solutions represents a fundamental shift in hands-on technical education. It deconstructs complex industrial automation into a flexible, multi-use workstation with interchangeable learning modules. Designed for educators and students, the system allows for a customized and scalable approach to skill development. The core principle is mastery through application. By starting with a foundational workstation, instructors can introduce new concepts by simply adding the corresponding module when their class is ready. This modularity ensures the learning experience is always relevant and can be tailored to specific curriculum goals, making it a lasting investment for any technical training program.

Key skills and applications of the iLS – Industrial Learning System

The iLS is engineered to build a comprehensive, practical skill set for modern manufacturing and automation environments. Students move beyond theory to gain hands-on experience in critical areas. The curriculum covers industrial automation controls, teaching how individual components create a functional system. It delves into programming logic and interfacing, allowing learners to program and troubleshoot PLCs. Foundational skills in wiring and circuitry are developed through modules that require students to build circuits from scratch. The system also provides modules for fluid power to teach pneumatics, motor drives for understanding VFDs and motor control, and machine safety for implementing essential safety protocols like E-stops and light curtains. Each module builds upon the last, creating a holistic understanding of electromechanical systems.

iLS – Industrial Learning System specifications and features

Category Item Features
General Product dimensions Contact Aidex for details
General Product weight Contact Aidex for details
General Applicable education levels High School, Career & Technical Education, Post-Secondary
Workstations Mobile workstation Accommodates up to 12 modules, on-board air compressor, 120VAC power strip, quick disconnect plugs w/ 5A breaker, wire drawer, spare drawer, tool drawer with terminal screwdrivers, wire strippers, crimper, Fluke meter, tube cutter, hex wrench, and work light.
Workstations Desktop workstation Foldable and portable design, includes 120VAC power cord, quick disconnect plugs w/ 5A breaker, non-skid feet, hanging cleat design, compressed air ready.
Logic systems PLC module – Guardlogix (iLSM-W1-E-RAGLX) Rockwell Automation GuardLogix 5380 Series Safety PLC, (1) Safety Input Module, (1) Safety Output Module, (1) Standard Input Module, (1) Standard Output Module. Prewired I/O (50%) to Terminal Strip. Teaches safety device programming.
Logic systems PLC module – CompactLogix (iLSM-W1-E-RACLX) Rockwell Automation CompactLogix 5370 Series PLC with 16/16 Built-In I/O. Equipped with Analog I/O & a high-speed counter. Discrete I/O prewired to Terminal Strip. Teaches introductory PLC programming.
Operator interface Push button interface module (iLSM-W1-I-RAPB9) Rockwell Automation enclosure with 9 unwired devices: illuminated buttons, selector switches, E-Stop button, potentiometer, joystick, bubble light, and buzzer. Ideal for teaching panel wiring.
Operator interface HMI module (iLSM-W2-I-RAPV10) Rockwell Automation PanelView 5000 HMI (10″) mounted to a hinged door for easy port access. For teaching HMI programming.
Electronics Electrical relay module (iLSM-W1-E-RARLY2B) Includes (2) illuminated buttons, (2) contactors, (2) ice cube relays, (2) terminal relays, and (1) timing relay. For teaching relay logic circuits.
Electronics Sensor module (iLSM-W2-M-SENSE) Includes a wide variety of industrial sensors (inductive, capacitive, photoelectric, ultrasonic) and material targets to teach part detection theory.
Electronics Electrical breadboard module – basic DC circuits (iLSM-W1-C-BBDC) Comprehensive kit with breadboards, wires, controllers (Arduino UNO, MEGA), and a vast array of electronic components (resistors, capacitors, LEDs, motors, sensors, etc.) for teaching fundamental DC circuit design.
Electrical safety devices Safety e-stop module (iLSM-W1-S-RAESTOP) Rockwell Automation E-Stop button, safety relays, and (2) illuminated buttons. Teaches wiring of discreet safety circuits.
Electrical safety devices Door interlock module (iLSM-W2-S-INTLK) Includes non-contact coded magnet, solenoid locking, and trapped key interlocks. All devices are pre-wired to the terminal strip.
Electrical safety devices Safety light curtain module (iLSM-T4-S-RALC300) Rockwell Automation 450L-Series light curtain emitter/receiver pair (300mm). Teaches alignment and troubleshooting of safety circuits.
Electrical safety devices Area scan module (iLSM-T4-S-HKSCAN) Hokoyu area scanner with E-Stop and warning OSSD outputs, providing a 270-degree scan area.
Motor control VFD module (iLSM-W1-D-RAPFXVFD) Rockwell Automation PowerFlex VFD. Converts 120VAC to 240VAC 3-phase to control a motor.
Motor control Contactor / overload module (iLSM-W1-D-CONOL) Includes non-reversing contactor with motor starter protector and a reversing contactor with a traditional circuit breaker/overload device. Comes unwired for hands-on learning.
Motor control 3-phase gear motor module (iLSM-T4-M-OR3PHGM) Inverter-duty gearmotor (230VAC, 3PH) with an aluminum disc, proximity sensor, and photoeye for positioning exercises.
Motor control Conveyor module (CON-4536TNM-BL-E) 36″ long belt conveyor with brushless DC motor, variable speed control, and photo eyes at each end prewired to an EIP Remote I/O block.
Pneumatics Pneumatic module – ethernet IP (iLSM-W1-P-SMC4PV) SMC pneumatic valve manifold with 4 unique valve types controlled via Ethernet. Requires a PLC for advanced instruction.
Pneumatics Pneumatic module – discreet (iLSM-W1-P-SMC4VIND) Four individual SMC pneumatic valves of various types prewired to a terminal strip, with an FRL unit and pressure switch. For introductory concepts.
Pneumatics Project module: pneumatic pick & place (iLSM-W1-P-SMCPNP4V) A project-based module with pneumatic actuators, sensors, and a vacuum suction cup. Requires a control module and a valve module to operate.
Accessories Blank modules (Size 1, 2, 3) Blank panels with handles, wire duct, and DIN rail for creating custom modules.
Accessories T-slot modules (Hanging, Desktop) T-slot mounting boards for custom setups.
Storage Wall mount storage rails / Stand alone storage rack Solutions for organizing and storing iLS modules. The rack can hold up to 24 Size 1 panels.

Providing the iLS – Industrial Learning System to the Midwest

Aidex is proud to supply the iLS – Industrial Learning System to learning institutions across the Midwest. We are committed to equipping educators and students in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin with the industry-leading tools they need to succeed.

Frequently asked questions

What core topics does the iLS – Industrial Learning System curriculum cover?

The iLS curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, covering a range of essential industrial topics. Key areas of study include industrial automation controls, programming logic and interfacing with PLCs, fundamental wiring and circuitry, fluid power using pneumatics, motor drives and VFDs, and critical machine safety implementation.

What is the target audience for the iLS – Industrial Learning System?

The iLS is designed for students and trainees in high school, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and post-secondary institutions. It is ideal for programs focusing on manufacturing, industrial maintenance, engineering technology, and automation.

Is the iLS system modular and expandable?

Yes, the core design of the iLS is its modularity. Educational programs can begin with a base workstation and a few modules, and then add more modules over time. This allows the curriculum to expand and adapt to new technologies or teaching preferences without needing to replace the entire system.

What is the difference between the mobile and desktop workstations?

The Mobile workstation is a larger, self-contained unit ideal for a dedicated lab space, featuring an on-board air compressor, extensive tool storage, and space for up to 12 modules. The Desktop workstation is a more compact, foldable, and portable option designed for flexibility, allowing it to be used in various classroom settings for individual or group work.

Do the modules require students to do the wiring themselves?

It depends on the module’s educational goal. Some modules, like the Push Button Interface, are intentionally delivered unwired to teach students essential panel wiring skills from scratch. Others, such as the Door Interlock Module, come pre-wired to allow students to focus on higher-level tasks like programming and troubleshooting.

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