Automation Engineering Intern at Dedan Kimathi University

Summary:

The education process of industrial automation and integrated systems has multiple levels of granularity, parallel to the granularity level of the physical automated systems. The lowest granularity level starts at working with individual components, such as sensors, actuators, robots, vision systems, etc. then controlling them with PLCs and drives, and building a network of controllers and PLCs in a distributed control system (DCS). Moving up in the granularity level would be teaching students about industrial communication protocols, integrating Human Machine-Interface (HMI) and building a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. On top of that knowledge comes the implementation of Industry 4.0 and industrial internet of things (IIoT). The hands-on experience in such a learning process is crucial, specially working with industrial grade components, and with a neutral approach toward technology, i.e. not focusing on a specific automation supplier. While advanced automated systems are supplied by many vendors, with some digital twin (DT) capabilities, they are mostly a closed box, with very little flexibility to change the underlying architecture or technology, hindering the maximum benefit of student hands-on experience. This internship intends to build a simulated changeable automated elevator system and link it to the physical system to create a digital twin (DT).

Internship Project:

• Designing, Fabrication and automation of an Elevator using advanced sustainable technologies

Tasks and Responsibilities:

•  Design for manufacturing and maintainability
•  Fabrication and Mechanical Metalworks
•  Communication Systems
•  PLC & HMI programming
•  Digital twin
•  MES, SCADA Systems
•  Safety Programming
•  Overload Protection
•  Lift Monitoring and Remote-Control Systems
•  Emergency Rescue Operations
•  Prognostics and Health Management of Industrial Assets
•  Elevator integration (Integrators)
•  Compliance with relevant standards
•  Use of sustainable technologies
•  Documentation

Eligibility:

•  Minimum SMSCP Level 2
•  Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electronic & Computer Engineering, Control Engineering and Instrumentation, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

Benefits to Students:

•  Possibility of Masters Scholarship
•  KShs 30,000
•  Full-time access to Siemens Centre facilities
•  EBK Registration Support