Toyota South Africa's leap into Industry 4.0 skills development

18th January 2024

Toyota South Africa's leap into Industry 4.0 skills development

The current real need for employees skilled in Industry 4.0 technologies

It is a reality that society has changed its consumer habits. As buyers, we want personalized unique products that can be purchased online, all the while staying informed at all times of the process. To adapt to this reality, industry is evolving towards smart manufacturing, trying to meet the needs of its customers by integrating new Industry 4.0 technologies.

For this evolution to be successful, it is not only the integration of these technologies that is necessary. Just as important is that the workers in these smart factories are trained to use them, interact with them and solve the problems that arise.

In a significant stride towards a workforce equipped with cutting-edge Industry 4.0 skills, Toyota Maintenance Technical Training Centre has embarked on a transformative journey by introducing the FMS-200 Special Edition – Industry 4.0 from SMC International Training – the didactic division of pneumatics and industrial automation component technology company, SMC Corporation.

This revolutionary didactic system is not just a product; it is a catalyst for upskilling and preparing the workforce for the dynamic demands of modern manufacturing.

Empowering the Workforce for Industry 4.0

As Industry 4.0 reshapes the manufacturing landscape, with its emphasis on automation, data exchange and digitalisation, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce has never been more pronounced. Recognising this imperative, Toyota Maintenance Technical Training Centre has taken a proactive step by adopting the FMS-200 Special Edition – Industry 4.0, a bespoke training solution designed to equip employees with the requisite skills for the Industry 4.0 era, in addition to those in advanced mechatronics.

The FMS-200 Special Edition - Industry 4.0 is a system designed entirely with industrial components, enabling meaningful training based on industrial reality. Among the many advantages offered by this educational equipment, the modularity of the system, the open platform to develop new projects, the MES software or the wide variety of options available (different brands of PLC, industrial robot or collaborative robot, etc.) should be highlighted.

Toyota's Commitment to Innovation and Skills Development

Toyota South Africa's investment in the FMS-200 Special Edition underscores the company's dedication to nurturing a workforce that is prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, Toyota is not only future proofing its operations but also bolstering the employability and job satisfaction of its employees.