Connected Smart Manufacturing (CSM) Training System
The gap between what students learn in a traditional manufacturing lab and what they encounter on their first day in a modern facility has never been wider. Automated production lines today involve robots, CNC machines, PLCs, vision systems, laser marking, RFID tracking, and smart sensors all working together as a connected system. Training programs that want to prepare students for those environments need equipment that reflects that reality.
The Connected Smart Manufacturing system, known as the CSM, is exactly that. It is a fully integrated, intelligent manufacturing cell built around the latest Industry 4.0 technologies, designed to take students from raw material all the way through a finished, packaged product using the same equipment they will encounter in advanced manufacturing facilities around the world.
Klein Educational supplies the CSM system to CTE programs, community colleges, and university engineering programs across California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. As the authorized distributor for APT Manufacturing solutions in these seven states, we help programs get the right configuration specified, installed, and running.
What is the Connected Smart Manufacturing system?
The CSM was developed through a collaboration between FANUC America, APT Manufacturing Solutions, and Rockwell Automation in direct response to industry demand for training systems that reflect how modern manufacturing actually operates. It is built by industry for education, and it shows in every component and workflow the system covers.
At its core, the CSM is a four-robot manufacturing cell working in conjunction with a FANUC CNC ROBODRILL machining center. The system uses one APT MTEC machine tender CERT cart and three APT LR Mate CERT cart bases, each modified to perform a specific manufacturing operation. Together they form a complete, connected production line that runs autonomously from start to finish, producing a real promotional product that a school can put its name on.
The system integrates Rockwell Automation PLCs and HMIs for control, FANUC robotics and CNC for machining and material handling, Balluff I/O Link smart sensors for diagnostics, Keyence laser technology for marking, and RFID for part tracking throughout the line. Every station communicates via Ethernet IP, creating a genuinely connected smart manufacturing environment rather than a collection of standalone training stations.
How the CSM production line works
The CSM takes learners through a complete manufacturing sequence broken into distinct operations, each of which can be taught independently or as part of the full connected line.
OP10 is machine tending, where a FANUC LR Mate 200iD/7L robot loads and unloads the FANUC ROBODRILL CNC vertical machining center. Learners study robotic machine tending, CNC programming, automated work holding, and robot to CNC communication.
OP20 is laser etching and serialization, where parts receive a custom logo marking using a Keyence laser system. Vision inspection verifies the etching quality before the part moves to the next station, introducing learners to laser technology, vision-guided inspection, and part serialization.
OP30 is assembly, where components are brought together using vision-guided picking and sorting. Learners work with vision systems, smart sensors, vacuum and mechanical gripping end-of-arm tooling, and the integration logic that coordinates multiple automated operations.
OP40 is packaging, where completed assemblies are packaged into logo-printed boxes with a choice of colors, introducing learners to automated packaging concepts and production line coordination.
OP50 is palletizing, where completed boxes are stacked and prepared for shipping, covering the final stage of a real automated distribution workflow.
Throughout the entire line, RFID tracking monitors parts at every stage, Rockwell PLCs manage control and sequencing, and the HMI PanelView touch screens give learners visibility into the full system status.
What students and trainees learn
The CSM covers an exceptionally broad range of technical skills, making it one of the most comprehensive training platforms available for advanced manufacturing programs:
FANUC robot programming and operation using the iPendant and iHMI interface
CNC programming, setup, and operation on the FANUC ROBODRILL
Rockwell Logix 5000 series PLC programming
Rockwell HMI PanelView touch screen operation
Machine vision inspection and vision-guided picking
Laser etching and part serialization
RFID manufacturing process tracking
Smart sensor technology over Balluff I/O Link with diagnostics
Fenceless robot cell safety using area scanners
Pneumatics, vacuum systems, and dual-purpose end-of-arm tooling
Variable frequency drive (VFD) controlled conveyors
Fault insertion for system troubleshooting training
IIoT connectivity and Industry 4.0 integration concepts
Process engineering and manufacturing integration skills
Project-based mechatronics at each operation station
The system covers training areas spanning PLC, robot, vision, safety, IIoT, pneumatics, vacuum, motors, VFD, laser, machining, CNC programming, process engineering, and manufacturing at introductory through advanced levels, as well as full mechatronics integration.
A system designed for real flexibility
One of the CSM's most practical features for educational environments is its modular design. Each operation station is a self-contained robot workstation that can be used independently in a classroom setting, disconnected from the full line, or connected as part of the complete integrated manufacturing cell. This gives programs the ability to teach individual technologies station by station before bringing the full system together, which is particularly valuable for programs that are building student skills progressively across a semester or academic year.
Each station fits through a standard 36-inch doorway, includes an on-board air compressor for self-contained operation, and is mounted on wheeled carts with swivel casters and brakes for easy repositioning. Programs can start with a single station and expand into the full CSM configuration over time as their program grows.
Why the CSM matters for your program
Industry 4.0 is not a future concept. It is the current standard in advanced manufacturing facilities, and employers across automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical device, and consumer products industries are already operating integrated, connected production environments that mirror what the CSM teaches. The students who graduate having worked on a real connected manufacturing line are fundamentally better prepared for those environments than students who have only worked with isolated training stations.
The CSM also supports FANUC's Certified Education Robot Training (CERT) program, giving students a pathway to industry-recognized credentials alongside their hands-on experience. For programs that want to demonstrate real-world relevance to students, parents, industry partners, and accreditation bodies, there is no clearer statement than a fully functional smart manufacturing line producing a real product.
How Klein Educational supports your program
Klein Educational is more than an equipment supplier. We work with CTE directors, college department heads, and workforce administrators from the first conversation through installation and beyond. That includes needs assessment, equipment specification, lab layout planning, and staff training.
As the authorized distributor for APT Manufacturing solutions in the western US, we have direct access to the full CSM system, curriculum, and support infrastructure, which means faster service and deeper product knowledge than you will find anywhere else in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Connected Smart Manufacturing system? The CSM is a fully integrated Industry 4.0 training cell developed by FANUC America, APT Manufacturing Solutions, and Rockwell Automation. It features four FANUC robot stations, a FANUC ROBODRILL CNC machining center, and Rockwell PLCs and HMIs, producing a real finished product through a complete automated manufacturing sequence covering machine tending, laser etching, assembly, packaging, and palletizing.
What skill areas does the CSM cover? The CSM covers PLC programming, FANUC robot programming and operation, CNC machining, machine vision, laser technology, RFID tracking, IIoT connectivity, smart sensors, pneumatics, VFDs, safety systems, and mechatronics integration across introductory through advanced levels.
Can individual stations be taught separately? Yes. Each operation station is modular and can be used independently in a classroom setting or connected as part of the full integrated line. This allows programs to teach individual technologies station by station before bringing the complete system together.
What certifications does the CSM support? The CSM supports FANUC's Certified Education Robot Training (CERT) program, giving students a pathway to industry-recognized credentials. Students receive a letter of completion and instructors can issue certificates from provided templates.
Who is the CSM designed for? The CSM is designed for high school CTE programs with advanced manufacturing pathways, community colleges, and four-year engineering and engineering technology programs that want to offer students hands-on experience with a fully integrated smart manufacturing environment.
Does Klein Educational help with lab setup and installation? Yes. Klein works with programs from needs assessment through equipment specification, lab layout, installation, and staff training. We guide the entire process so your program is set up correctly from day one.
What states does Klein Educational serve? We serve California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska as the authorized distributor for APT Manufacturing solutions in these seven states.
Ready to Bring Connected Smart Manufacturing to Your Program?
Whether you are building a new advanced manufacturing lab or adding Industry 4.0 capability to an existing program, our team will help you find the right CSM configuration for your space, budget, and goals.