Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane · School of Science & Engineering

Industry 4.0 &
Smart Manufacturing

A 3-day intensive summer school combining theoretical foundations with hands-on industrial hardware. Delivered by 7 global industry leaders operating in Morocco.

📅 June 8 - 10, 2026 · Ifrane, Morocco

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In collaboration with Deutsche Messe Technology Academy Smart Factory Academy Casablanca AUI Innovation Club Undergraduate Research Program
3Full Days
6Sessions
7Industry Partners
18hTotal Learning

Program overview

Who should attend?

This intensive program is designed for anyone looking to bridge academia and industrial practice - from students to seasoned professionals.

🎓

Engineering Students

Final year & master's level students seeking real-world exposure to Industry 4.0 systems.

🔬

PhD Candidates

Industrial & engineering researchers looking to ground their work in practical applications.

🏭

Industry Professionals

Engineers, managers & innovation leaders driving or planning digital transformation.

Format

3 full days · 2 sessions/day

Methodology

Concept → Demo → Hands-on → Q&A

Location

Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane

Hours

18 contact hours total

3-Day curriculum

Program schedule

Each session is 3 hours of structured learning - concept introduction, live industrial demo, hands-on exercises, and Q&A.

Day 1

Smart Automation & Robotics

Cobots · AGVs · AMRs · Motion Systems

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Session 1 · 3 hours Delivered by: Metronelec · MiR · Universal Robots

Robots and AGV/AMR in Factories

  • Introduction to industrial robotics and automation
  • Collaborative robots (cobots), applications and programming
  • AGV vs AMR: concepts, differences, and use cases
  • Live demo: robot programming and mobile robot navigation
  • Use cases and deployments in Moroccan industry
Session 2 · 3 hours Delivered by: igus

Advanced Motion Systems (igus 4.0)

  • Introduction to smart motion plastics
  • Low-cost automation solutions for SMEs and large manufacturers
  • Digital twin and predictive maintenance concepts
  • Hands-on: configuring motion systems
  • Applications in flexible manufacturing environments
Day 2

Connectivity & Smart Manufacturing Systems

IIoT · MES · IO-Link · OEE · Smart Sensors

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Session 3 · 3 hours Delivered by: Evocon

IIoT and MES in Manufacturing

  • Introduction to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) fundamentals
  • Real-time production monitoring and data collection
  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) calculation and improvement
  • Demo: data collection and visualization platform
Session 4 · 3 hours Delivered by: ifm electronic

IO-Link Technology for IIoT

  • Smart sensors and industrial connectivity overview
  • IO-Link architecture and communication protocol
  • Integration with PLCs and cloud-based systems
  • Hands-on: sensor configuration and remote diagnostics
  • Use cases in predictive maintenance and quality control
Day 3

Strategy & Industry 4.0 Transformation

SIRI Framework · Roadmaps · ROI · Group Workshop

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Session 5 · 3 hours Delivered by: INCIT

SIRI Assessment Framework

  • Introduction to the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI)
  • Key dimensions: Process, Technology, and Organisation
  • Assessment methodology and scoring
  • Case studies from ASEAN and global manufacturers
  • Understanding where companies stand on the I4.0 journey
Session 6 · 3 hours Delivered by: INCIT

From Assessment to Deployment

  • Building Industry 4.0 transformation roadmaps
  • Prioritising initiatives by impact and feasibility
  • ROI modelling and implementation strategies
  • Group workshop: mock SIRI assessment on a Moroccan case
  • Team roadmap design and peer presentation

Bonus

🏭 Industrial Field Trip

A half-day guided visit to an active industrial facility in the Fes-Meknes region. Observe Industry 4.0 technologies deployed at scale in a real Moroccan factory. Included in the registration fee.

Max 30 participants PPE provided Shuttle included

Proposed schedule

07:30Departure from AUI by shuttle bus
09:00Arrival, welcome and safety briefing
09:30Guided plant tour - production lines, automation cells
11:00Technical Q&A with plant engineers
12:00Lunch on-site (hosted by facility)
13:00Group debrief and reflection
14:00Return to Al Akhawayn University

Industry partners

7 global leaders.
Live hardware.

Partners bring actual robots, sensors, and systems - not slides - for genuine hands-on practice in a Moroccan industrial context.

Metronelec

Automation & robotics integration for Moroccan industry

MiR

Mobile Industrial Robots - AMR solutions

Universal Robots

Collaborative robot (cobot) platforms

Evocon

IIoT & MES production monitoring systems

ifm electronic

Smart sensors and IO-Link technology

igus

Smart motion plastics & low-cost automation

INCIT

SIRI assessment framework & Industry 4.0 strategy

Learning outcomes

What you'll walk
away with

Participants completing the full program will be equipped to apply Industry 4.0 concepts immediately in their work.

Understand and articulate core Industry 4.0 technologies from robotics to IIoT

Operate and configure real industrial hardware and software platforms

Assess a manufacturing facility's digital maturity using the SIRI framework

Design an Industry 4.0 transformation roadmap with prioritized initiatives

Identify digital transformation opportunities relevant to Moroccan industry

Build professional networks with global industrial leaders active in Morocco

Enrollment

Register for the
Summer School

Secure your spot for June 8-10, 2026 at Al Akhawayn University. Limited to 30 spots.