About Us
The 4SiM project is implemented by a trans-European consortium consisting of higher education institutions, a vocational training and occupational safety organization, and an industrial research and development partner.
What is 4SiM
4SiM (Scalable Socio-Technical System Simula- tion in Manufacturing) is a European collaborative initiative, co-funded by Erasmus+, aiming to create innovative simulation environments for socio-tech- nical systems in manufacturing.
Grounded in Lean Production, safety, human fac- tors, and integrated management systems, 4SiM creates innovative learning platforms and targeted training programs.
It connects technology with people, empowering educators and future professionals with the skills to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, driv- ing innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in manufacturing.
4SiM is not just a learning platform. It is the bridge between education and industry, preparing the Eu- ropean workforce to lead in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability
Why Do We Need 4SiM
The manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the Eu- ropean economy, but sustainable growth requires a skilled workforce capable of managing complex so- cio-technical systems. Rapid transformation driven by digitalization, automation, and Industry 4.0- 5.0 makes this need even more urgent.
4SiM connects theory and practice through hands- on, AI-enhanced training, preparing students and professionals with the skills required for Industry 4.0–5.0.
What Are The Objective Of 4SiM
The main goal of 4SiM is to create a novel simula- tion environment of socio-technical systems (STS) in manufacturing and a related learning platform. This is achieved through four key objectives:
What Are We Going To Develop?
A fully functional socio-technical simulation system driven by AI, with realistic manufacturing environ- ments, AI powered characters, multilingual capa- bilities and adaptive learning mechanisms. The resulting 4SiM platform is a complete learning sim- ulation of manufacturing environments, production systems and decision-making issues.
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How The Case Works
We are building a shared database of requirements covering quality, safety, human factors, and Lean production processes. The materials include structured case studies, interviews with AI characters (CEO, quality manager, operator), and examples of industrial best practices, ready to be used in teaching and training.
The 4SiM project is managed through a structured and transparent approach led by the coordinator, OULU. The project manager oversees all administrative, financial, and reporting activities, ensuring that progress aligns with project goals. Monthly sprint meetings and digital tools such as Trello and Teams enable effective coordination, tracking, and communication across all partners. Inclusive and accessible design principles guide every activity, ensuring equal participation for all. Green and digital practices reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable collaboration. Through strong stakeholder engagement and continuous monitoring, WP1 ensures smooth implementation, efficient budget control, and timely delivery of results that strengthen cooperation and innovation within European manufacturing.
The database is integrated into a simulation model with AI-based learning support. Students work through realistic scenarios such as quality management failures or process bottlenecks, interact with AI characters, and explore the dynamics of socio-technical systems through simulation-driven problem solving.
The platform is tested through multiple pilot iterations across partner universities. Engagement, motivation (ARCS/IMMS), learning outcomes, and usability are monitored using quantitative and qualitative methods to refine and validate the learning design.
All results, tools, and guides are published openly. The consortium organizes workshops, webinars, and networking events to promote the adoption of the 4SiM platform in higher education and industry training, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
Who Can Benefit From 4SiM
4SiM was designed to bring value to a wide community:
- Educators & Trainers of the current and future European workforce
- Students & Learners & Safety Engineers trainees
- The European Manufacturing Sector
- Professional stakeholders, such as OSH clusters and industrial networks, government agencies and policy stakeholders.
Key Benefits
Practical learning Simulations and exercises that reflect real manufacturing challenges.
AI-supported training Personalized learning paths adapting to learners and industry developments.
Industry 4.0–5.0 readiness Human-centric, sustainable, and automated manufacturing skills.
Skill development Multidisciplinary abilities, teamwork, integration of quality, safety, and efficiency.
Scalable and flexible learning Effective for large groups and distance learning.
Three Pillars of Relevance
Consortium Partners
What makes 4SiM different
Integrated lens
We connect quality, safety, human factors, and Lean so learners see cross-effects and trade-offs — not silos.
AI with guardrails
AI characters guide inquiry and reflection, while educators keep control through transparent prompts and rubrics.
Simulation first
Students test decisions in a risk-free environment before touching production lines, aligning with future digital twins.
Open and portable
Outputs are packaged for reuse: instructor notes, case assets, and assessment ideas that travel across courses and sites.
Ready to collaborate?
We invite educators and companies to co-create and try out 4SiM cases. If you have a real-world challenge that fits our focus areas, let’s turn it into a safe, AI-supported learning experience.
