Education systems are increasingly expected to prepare graduates for a labor market shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In engineering education, this includes exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies. However, the extent and nature of the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into engineering curricula remain unclear.
This study explores engineering students’ engagement with Industry 4.0 technologies, including reported use, modes of curricular integration, perceived importance, and proposals for future implementation. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to engineering students enrolled in Israeli engineering colleges. Although the questionnaire included both quantitative and qualitative components, the conference presentation focuses on the qualitative findings. More than half of the respondents reported that Industry 4.0 technologies were integrated into their studies. Among those reporting integration, the most frequent context was structured courses. Within courses, students most commonly described the use of simulations, followed by 3D printing activities and theoretical exposure in lectures. Laboratory-based and project-based implementations were mentioned less frequently. A smaller group reported personal use, primarily for self-learning or personal projects, and only a minority indicated workplace-related use.
Regarding the perceived importance, 76% of respondents indicated that integrating Industry 4.0 technologies into engineering education is important. The most frequently cited reason was alignment with labor market demands, followed by future readiness. In addition, a minority of students proposed concrete curricular suggestions, mainly expanding dedicated courses, increasing hands-on learning, and incorporating technologies such as 3D printing, augmented reality, digital twins, and advanced simulations.

Authors:
Ira Raveh, Braude Academic College of Engineering, Israel
Dan Cuperman, Braude College of Engineering, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Ira Raveh is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Ort Braude Academic College of Engineering, Oranim Academic College of Education in Israel

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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