Overview

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is the concept of revolutionising modern factories using a range of new and emerging technologies.

Topics such as System Integration, Big Data, Augmented Reality, Cybersecurity, and others play an important role in the I4.0 concept.

As a Digital Production Systems Engineer, your responsibilities include:

  • PLC and HMI Programming: Develop and optimise PLC programmes to control industrial processes and design HMI interfaces for user-friendly operation and real time monitoring of system parameters.
  • SCADA System: Build SCADA systems using Node-RED to visualise, monitor, and control processes in real-time, including integration with external sensors, PLCs, and data storage solutions.
  • Manufacturing Execution System (MES): Configure and utilise MES to manage and track production data, ensuring seamless communication between shop-floor devices and enterprise-level systems.
  • Augmented Reality (AR): Implement AR technologies for interactive visualisation of system status, diagnostics, and troubleshooting within the cyber-physical system environment.
  • Digital Twinning: Create and deploy digital twins using simulation tools like Festo CIROS to replicate physical systems, enabling performance analysis, predictive maintenance, and process optimisation.
  • Cloud-Based Data Monitoring: Set up cloud integration for real-time monitoring and analysis of system data using platforms such as Insight Hub (formerly known as MindSphere), ensuring accessibility, scalability, and enhanced decision-making for Industry 4.0 applications.
  • And more …!

Full list of core competencies can be found in the Technical Handbook within the useful resources section.

This skill competition is a team skill with two competitors per team.

The competitor taken part in Automation and Mechatronics are encouraged to consider joining in industry 4.0 competition.

The skills you need to demonstrate

  • Analytical skills 

  • Time-management

  • Problem-solving

  • IT skills

  • Team working

  • Programming

  • Communication skills

  • Critical thinking

Useful resources

Contact details

omid@didacticservices.co.uk

Entry criteria

  •  This is a team activity (teams of two).
  •  Competitors must have access to I.T. equipment capable of running Siemens TIA Portal V15 or higher, and CIROS 6.4 or higher
  • Competitors must have access to Festo Didactic CP Lab equipment.
  • Competitors must be available for the National Qualifiers and National Finals.

How it works

Registrations open 09:00am Monday 3rd of March and will close midnight Friday 28th of March.

Entry Stage will be released between Monday 3rd of March with a final deadline of 2nd of May 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

Qualifiers will take place between 5th of May 2025 to 27th of June 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

To help finalists prepare ahead of the UK Final, we will provide relevant technical training and share mindset development techniques, to support them to remain focused on achieving success.

The National Finals are scheduled to take place in Wales during the week beginning 24th November 2025.

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2024 for the WorldSkills 2026 Cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle.

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