Learning factory platforms for advanced networked and service-based manufacturing systems and organizations: Part III - Freeware collaborative environment

This paper presents a Learning Factory platform that is based on exploration of the freeware collaborative tools to address the education on advanced networked and service-based manufacturing systems such as social network-based manufacturing system. The paper presents (1) an architecture of learning factory with embedded freeware collaborative tools simulating the advanced networked and service- based manufacturing systems and organizations, and (2) elements of an application for manufacturing engineering course. The freeware-based Learning Factory platform, or environment, is oriented towards both internal and external learning and training, and for both communities, academe and industry and, especially, through their partnership. Also, the special feature of the platform is its “low-cost” allowing learning and training on advanced networked and service- based manufacturing systems in investment extensive regions and environment.