SETU’s Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering showcased its IMI4 course, Certificate in Innovative Materials for Industry 4.0, at an event at its Carlow campus. The course is a unique collaboration between SETU and Dublin City University (DCU) that focuses on advanced manufacturing delivered using virtual reality (VR). It is scheduled to start in mid-September 2024.
The event saw two industry experts in immersive technology, James Corbett (Director at Eirmersive) and Paschal McGuire (AR VR Engineering at Astreya), address attendees. They spoke about extended reality and its capability to greatly enhance students’ learning experience.
Billy House, Industry Engagement Lead at SETU’s Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering commented, "Extended reality (XR) technology holds immense promise in revolutionising education through immersive learning environments. Within our IMI4 program, XR technologies redefine traditional workshop setups, granting students dynamic learning experiences tailored to their own pace. By seamlessly integrating XR, we not only stay abreast of future trends but also actively influence them, empowering students to immerse themselves in educational content like never before."
This course marks first time two leading Irish universities have come together to offer a programme that entails hands-on laboratory training delivered through active 360° virtual reality (VR) learning environments where students will have access to VR headsets.
The course is built for people interested in furthering their careers in advanced manufacturing. It uses a novel approach that includes four technical modules and a self-selected, work-related project. This is aimed at guiding the learner through the structured phases of problem-solving, focusing on the practical application of skills that will help them gain relevant industry expertise.
The course offers a high level of flexibility, with classes conducted online allowing people from any geographical location to enrol. The course also offers a micro-credentialing system, which will allow participants to tailor it to their individual learning goals.
Alongside showcasing IMI4, attendees a the Carlow-campus event availed of a tour of SETU’s state of the art facilities in engineering. These include a wide range of resources, such as advanced analysis equipment, simulation and data collection services, electronic circuit design, rapid prototyping of electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs), additive manufacturing, and more.
For more information on courses, visit setu.ie