Learning Factories

Preparing workers for the future of manufacturing

What are Learning Factories?

In a nutshell, a learning factory is a simulated production setting where people can get hands-on training and education using real industrial equipment and processes. Instead of just reading about manufacturing or watching videos, participants actually practice in a mini factory. These setups are designed to closely mimic real manufacturing systems – often with actual machines, assembly stations, and even small-scale

The Learning Factories are a training method where trainees learn upon experimental testbeds and machines.
Alexios Papacharalampopoulos
University of Patras
Employees of a company can go to a learning factory, which is always kind of a controlled setting, and then they can learn the new skills and then go back to the companies and apply their skills.
Jos Bokhorst
University of Groningen
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Experts’ perspectives

Hear from researchers and project partners about how learning factories are used for skill development, innovation, and inclusion in SKillAIbility.

Technology in action

Modern manufacturing is changing rapidly. New technologies like automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming how products are made. This creates a pressing need for workers to learn new skills and for companies to keep their workforce up-to-date. Learning factories play a key role here because they bridge the gap between theory and practice. Instead of learning abstract concepts in a classroom and then being overwhelmed on the real factory floor, workers and students can gradually build experience in a learning factory.

Trainees can see how a theoretical concept (like a production process or quality control method) actually works in real life. This approach has huge benefits: studies and industry reports show that learning-by-doing improves retention of skills and better prepares individuals for actual jobs.

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Learning Factories in SkillAIbility

Learning factories are central to SKillAbility’s mission to create inclusive, human-centric manufacturing systems. By training workers of all backgrounds to collaborate with intelligent systems, we ensure that no one is left behind in Europe’s industrial transformation.

Learning factories will be part of the pilots of the project, ideal for allowing inclusivity. This emphasis on inclusive design ensures that even small and medium enterprises and underrepresented groups can benefit.
Alexios Papacharalampopoulos
University of Patras

Focus on inculsivity

A standout feature of SKillAIbility’s learning factories is their focus on inclusivity and accessibility. The project specifically aims to empower workers from vulnerable groups – for example, people with disabilities, older individuals, or those with less formal education.  

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Impact on workers, industries, and society

Workers

Participants in learning factories gain practical skills and confidence. They learn by actually doing the work, which makes them more competent and comfortable with the tools and processes used in modern manufacturing. This greatly improves their employability — workers emerge with experience that employers value, making it easier for them to find good jobs or advance in their careers.

Industry

For manufacturing businesses, learning factories help create a pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the demands of modern production. This can fill critical skills gaps — those unfilled positions we discussed earlier — by producing workers who already know how to handle advanced machinery and processes.

Society

On a broader level, learning factories contribute to a stronger economy and a more inclusive society. When more people are equipped with the skills for high-quality manufacturing jobs, it helps reduce unemployment and opens up career opportunities, including for those who might not typically have access (such as individuals with disabilities or those from disadvantaged backgrounds).