On March 30, a teaching session on “Manufacturing Technology” for the international postgraduate students was held by the School of Mechanical Engineering at the Tsinghua Fundamental Industry Training Center. The course was taught by Associate Professor Li Shuguang from the school, with Zhu Feng, Director of the Smart Manufacturing Laboratory of the Center, serving as the co-instructor.
Zhu Feng introduced the Training Center and delivered the lecture in conjunction with the development of the Smart Manufacturing Lab.
Zhu Feng introduced the history of the Training Center, highlighting the progress of its laboratories and their respective research directions. He also focused on the achievements of the Smart Manufacturing Laboratory, which houses five industrial-grade production lines and a collaborative robot laboratory. These include a smart factory production line for manufacturing reducers, a robotic assembly line for keyboards, a DNC (distributed numerical control) lathe line, a traditional Chinese medicine automated prescription line, and an SMT (surface mount technology) line for digital products. The Smart Manufacturing Laboratory, built in collaboration with the Department of Automation and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is also home to a robot innovation lab. Currently, these five industrial-grade production lines are integrated into multiple research and practical courses, and have developed intelligent human-machine collaboration systems as well as teaching and training frameworks with independent intellectual property.
Learning and experiencing the control of industrial robots and software system workflow
During the course, students had the opportunity to experience the control of industrial robots across several production lines and their software system workflows. This deepened their understanding of the integration of next-generation information technologies and advanced manufacturing techniques in smart manufacturing. It also provided them with initial insights and preparation for future innovation in emerging technologies and industries.
Discussion session
Zhu Feng introduced the cutting-edge developments and key issues in intelligent manufacturing technology. He and Professor Li Shuguang engaged with students in discussions on related technologies. Students from various countries shared their perspectives on macro issues, including the development of China's manufacturing industry and the progress of other countries. Many expressed that the course had provided them with valuable insights into the latest advancements in the field of smart manufacturing, which would be beneficial for their future learning and research endeavors.
Group photo of the professors and students
This course marks the first time the Training Center has undertaken the teaching of the fundamental courses for international postgraduate students. It is also a key step in advancing Tsinghua University’s global strategy, innovation initiatives, and long-term plans for cultivating high-level talent.
Through learning and getting hands-on experiences with laboratory equipment and systems, the students gained knowledge of cutting-edge industry technologies in the smart manufacturing and became familiar with the research and teaching directions of the Center. In the future, the Center will provide further support for students in the manufacturing and processing of the research products.
