Transilvania University of Brasov (UNITBV) recently hosted a significant study visit organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA2 project “Enhancing Mechanical Engineering Education in Moldova for Industry 4.0” (NeedEDU4.0).
This initiative, funded with the support of the European Commission through the grant agreement 101128623 ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE-STRAND-2, brought together representatives of Technical University of Moldova, State University “Alecu Russo” of Balti, State University “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” of Cahul, University of Aachen (Germany), Fritz Dräxlmaier GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) and ICS DRA Dräxlmaier Automotive SRL (R. Moldova).
Technical University of Moldova plays an important role in the NeedEDU4.0 consortium, with the study visit providing an opportunity for the delegation to explore innovations in education and research with a focus on achieving the project’s objectives. This initiative aims to modernise mechanical engineering education to meet the challenges and requirements of Industry 4.0, with a focus on digitisation and implementation of new technologies. Internationally recognised for its significant contributions in various academic and research fields, Transilvania University of Brasov presented to the delegation a rich offer of interdisciplinary study programmes, advanced research centres and modern laboratories. A
mong them, five master’s programmes captured the attention of the UTM specialists: “Simulation and Testing in Mechanical Engineering”, “Integrated Practical Methods for Propulsion Systems Engineering”, “Virtual Engineering in Automotive Design”, “Mechatronic Systems for Industry and Medicine” and “Advanced Manufacturing Process Engineering”. The visit also included a series of interactive activities and round tables with representatives of Draexlmaier Codlea, Siemens Industry Software and Schaeffler Romania, giving the UTM delegation the opportunity to learn about the prospects for cooperation between the university and industry.
Also, at the Research Institute of Transilvania University in Brasov, the consortium members explored various laboratories equipped with advanced technologies relevant to Industry 4.0. In addition to familiarising themselves with the specifics of dual studies in Romania, the UTM delegation had the opportunity to observe the best practices in dissertation writing and in the completion of the master’s degree work. The visit to the company Dräxlmaier Codlea allowed a deep understanding of the technological and production processes specific to the automotive industry, an essential aspect for the implementation of the knowledge acquired within the NeedEDU4.0 project.
The last day of the visit was dedicated to the analysis of the competences needed by specialists in the field of mechanical engineering and to the discussion of the learning outcomes associated with the master program to be developed at UTM, in collaboration with its Moldovan and German partners in the NeedEDU4.0 project. With the support of Transilvania University of Brasov and the University of Aachen, a set of learning outcomes was formulated and the preliminary content of the Master programme was designed.
The study visit to Transilvania University of Brasov was a significant step for the Technical University of Moldova on its way to adapt and implement education for Industry 4.0. By working closely with international partners and integrating innovations and best practices, TUM is strengthening its position as a leader in engineering education and technological research, thus preparing specialists capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
