Next World Factory.
Next World Factory
Learning for the world of tomorrow
The Next World Factory was opened at the Gurten site on December 17, 2024.
New paths in education
In the six labs on the topics of environment, science and sustainability, we show new paths in education and career guidance. The Next World Factory is a supplement to the FUTURE LAB. While the target group of the FUTURE LAB is mainly primary and secondary school pupils, the Next World Factory focuses on apprentices.
In the planned workshops, young people gain in-depth knowledge in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Newly developed methods make it possible to get to grips with the content and the skills required for the various technical apprenticeships. The main task, for example, is the team-based design and production of a small e-car prototype.
“We want to give apprentices the opportunity to look beyond their own apprenticeship and get to know different technical areas so that they are optimally prepared for their professional future.”
//Andreas Fill, Owner & CEO
6 labs
The 180 m² Next World Factory consists of six labs: Energy Lab, Cycle Lab, Engineering Lab, CNC & E-Technology Lab, Welding Lab and Quality Lab. The first workshops in the Next World Factory with Fill apprentices will start in 2025. The aim is to give apprentices the opportunity to think outside the box of their own apprenticeship.
For example, an electrical engineering apprentice can gain insights into the welding and milling of a mechanical engineering apprentice or even get to grips with high-level language programming.
In the future, the Next World Factory will also be made available to other companies in the region for in-depth training of their own apprentices.
Next World Factory labs.
Tasks
- G-code programming
- CNC milling (program creation and tool change)
- Interpretation of circuit diagrams and components
- Basics of circuit boards and function testing
- Soldering
Skills & competencies
- Technical understanding of CNC technology, G-code, circuits, and circuit boards
- Hands-on: milling, tool changes, soldering, and measuring
- Analytical thinking
- Awareness of occupational safety when using machines, electricity, and components
Equipment
- CNC machine
- Tablet
- Circuit board
- Soldering station
- Tools
Tasks
- Learning the basics of energy
- Learning the basics of electrical engineering
- Practical applications in electrical engineering
- Wiring and measurement
- Visualization
Skills & competencies
- Sustainable energy generation (wind power, photovoltaics)
- Technical understanding (focus on electrical engineering)
- Hands-on: wiring, measurement, visualization
- Fine motor skills
- Presentation skills
Equipment
- Wind turbine
- Photovoltaic system
- Measurement and testing technology
- Laptop, tablet
- Software (data analysis, circuit diagram
Tasks
- AR welding
- Plastic welding
- Hot element welding
- Ultrasonic welding
- Advanced welding course
Skills & competencies.
- Technical understanding
- Materials science
- Motor skills
- Hands-on: Application of different joining processes
- Awareness of occupational safety in joining processes
Equipment.
- AR welding unit and joining materials
- Safety equipment
- Tablet
- Ultrasonic generator
- Tools and aids for joining technology
Tasks
- Plastics basics
- Granulation
- Injection molding
- Post-processing of workpieces
- Assembly of workpieces
Skills & competencies
- Plastics science
- Process understanding
- Analytical thinking
- Hands-on: Granulation of recycled materials, fine machining of plastic workpieces
- Awareness of occupational safety in granulation and injection molding processes
Equipment
- Granulator
- Injector
- Materials
- Tablet
- Protective equipment
- Post-processing tools
Tasks
- Design of 3D elements
- Reverse engineering using scanners
- 3D printing (FDM printing, SLA printing)
- Grinding and polishing
Skills & competencies
- Spatial awareness
- Understanding of various additive manufacturing processes
- Hands-on: 3D design, 3D scanning of elements, fine machining of workpieces
- Process management
- Fine motor skills
Equipment
- Laptop
- Tablet
- Software
- Printing materials
- Protective equipment
- Post-processing and cleaning tools
Tasks
- Fundamentals of agile production
- Advanced lean
- Advanced scrum
- Advanced kanban
- Fundamentals of AI systems and neural networks
- AI system training
Skills & competencies
- Learning and applying agile methods
- Process management
- Economic thinking
- Hands-on: Resource planning, training, and application of AI systems
Equipment
- Simulation stations for product quality and AI
- PC
- Tablet
- Software
- Components