Exceeding Automation Training Requirements with Real-World Simulation (Montreal, Quebec) We are seeing an increase in demand for qualified technicians particularly within mechatronics and industrial automation. Schools who offer programs in these fields need to invest in large amounts of resources to train their students on the latest technologies used in these industries. Even with dedicated investment, students have difficulties understanding systems’ behaviours as they lack experimentation. Creating Simulated Environments Simulation software solution creates a teaching environment that can be used to provide a productive learning setting for students. Automation StudioTM offers several benefits in terms of flexibility, convenience and integration for technologies. Indeed, this helps improving students' understanding of core concepts because they get to see the actual behaviours of a system in a real-life environment. Teaching, made Global Simultaneous access is available to all students regardless of where they are; teachers simply need to create online labs with the virtual experimentation platform. The online and virtual test benches provided by Automation StudioTM help students diving safely into the concepts they’ve learnt within their programs, as well as allowing their teachers to include theoretical capsules, targeted exercises and real-world systems to simulate. Automation StudioTM gives the student the benefit of a hands-on study in practical environments where he becomes the participant and not a mere observer. Make it Practical, make it Simulated Part of the necessary curriculum for technical schools is to include practical training using industrial size modern equipment. However, industrial equipment such as hydraulic test bench, pneumatic test bench and industrial PLCs are expensive and breakages can and do occur, not to mention the ongoing maintenance cost added to the school’s program budgets. Creating a true virtual manufacturing environment ensures that all students receive equal training time with the right equipment when needed and, this is all possible with Automation StudioTM. Students can use the virtual model to test, troubleshoot and validate circuits with the simulation function. Overall, class productivity is enhanced and students will begin to understand their time and project management skill-set in support of future employer’s strategic manufacturing targets. Needless to say, the school’s equipment maintenance costs will also be reduced. Pre-Made Content, Customized To complement the virtual labs, pre-made, customizable training materials are available. Automation StudioTM gives the trainers the opportunity to edit existing material according to their specific needs. Building theoretical concepts and practical exercises can be done in no time simply by adding texts, videos, links, images and documentation. Furthermore, when it comes to creating reports or visual aids, Automation StudioTM allows a copy-paste compatibility with the Microsoft® Office Suite. Passing Grade! Future technicians and engineers need to understand system behaviour to meet today’s requirements in the fields of mechatronics and industrial automation. From processing, machine assembly, troubleshooting and testing, systems integration, application support, maintenance, component testing and assembly, automation programming, robotic maintenance and programming to technical sales and services - Automation StudioTM will help to align training programs with industry requirements as well as provide innovative teaching methods to keep technology-driven students engaged. Teaching in a simulation environment with Automation StudioTM will certainly add a new dimension to the student’s learning experience as well as help reduce program costs for these training institutions. Schools can teach students from around the globe, using real-world simulated environments and interactive approach that integrates multiple technologies of the industry while students learn better in a gratifying self-directed learning experience.