Smart Factory@Industry
"The project gave me a very good insight not only about the working life at Daimler but also great exposure to a fast-paced, technology focused industry. I gained a lot of understanding about the development of innovation projects and the experience of working on a revolutionary topic was fantastic.
Finally, the Smart Factory project introduced and brought me into contact with the department at Daimler where I am currently working. It was a direct enabler for my job."
Isha, CBS Alumna
About the Program
SmartFactory@Industry is a hands-on industry training initiative developed in collaboration with industry partners. It is designed to enhance the practical and theoretical knowledge of Carl Benz School (CBS) College Program students in the field of smart applications and Industry 4.0.
Smart factories are a key component of modern industry, and engineers must acquire the necessary expertise to drive their integration and further development. Through this program, students gain direct exposure to cutting-edge industry practices, bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world applications.
Program Structure
In cooperation with leading industry partners, CBS offers this integrated industry training as part of its Mechanical Engineering curriculum. The program is structured around practical phases within company innovation labs, providing students with firsthand experience in Industry 4.0 environments.
Key Features
- Open exclusively to select CBS College Program participants.
- Offers unique insights into Industry 4.0 and smart applications.
- Conducted in collaboration with top industry leaders.
- Students earn 4 ECTS credits within the Global Production Management major.
- Direct access to potential employers at an early academic stage.
Benefits for Participants
By joining SmartFactory@Industry, students gain:
- Hands-on Experience: Work in real industry settings on practical projects.
- Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Build connections with key players in German industry.
- Insider Knowledge: Learn directly from industry experts.
- Management Skills: Develop leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
- Modern Job Market Awareness: Understand current and future industry trends.
- Intercultural Competency: Enhance global collaboration and communication skills.
- Thesis Opportunities: Potential to write a Bachelor's thesis with an industry partner.
Industry Partnerships
How we prepare students
We ensure students are well-prepared for SmartFactory@Industry through a range of preparatory sessions and workshops:
Information & Skills Development
- Information Sessions: Overview of Industry 4.0 and program expectations.
- Hard Skills Workshops: Project management, technical training, and industry insights.
- Soft Skills Workshops: Mock interview sessions, business communication skills.
- CV & Cover Letter Writing Sessions: Crafting professional applications.
- Professional Career Photo Shoot: Enhancing professional presence.
- Social Media Workshops: Building an effective LinkedIn and digital presence.
Timeline
- November: Social Media Workshop
- March: Photo Shoot
- Late March/Early April: Information Session
- April/May: Project Management Workshops, Soft and Hard Skills Sessions
- Early June: Applications Due
- End September - End November: Smart Factory Runs
- Mid December: Final Pitches
Students are highly encouraged to learn about this project in the year before they intend to participate—specifically, during their second semester if they plan to participate in their fifth semester (although they may apply for participation as early as their third semester).
SmartFactory@Industry: practical projects for the future of industry
In the SmartFactory@Industry Program, students work on innovative solutions for Industry 4.0. In collaboration with leading companies, they develop creative approaches to current challenges.
Highlights from last year's projects:
- Ideation of e-Wagen Simplification @ Plant Sindelfingen - optimization of processes related to electric vehicles
- Waste Reduction @ Plant Sindelfingen - Efficient strategies for waste avoidance
- Intelligent Downtime Documentation - Smart recording and analysis of production downtimes
Through these projects, students gain valuable practical experience and actively shape the future of production.
.png)
Apply for SmartFactory@Industry
Registration for this year's SmartFactory@Industry Program has not yet started. Stay tuned - we will inform you here as soon as registration opens!
If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time.
Each of our industry partner offers a program according to their production’s very specific needs such as Inbound/Outbound Logistics, Internet of Things, Human-Machine Collaboration and many more.
Our industry partnerships
The research-oriented 3-month-project offers selected participants of the College Program the chance to gain first-hand experience in exploring fundamental engineering-scientific research questions within the status of a student assistant position.
More about SmartScience@KIT
Our exclusive SmartCoop@KIT training program is offered in cooperation with the institutes of the KIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, whose innovation-driven research interlinks joint projects with industry partners.
More about SmartCoop@KIT