Automation Technology Training Systems by Lucas-Nuelle
Modern manufacturing runs on automation. PLCs coordinate production lines, sensors and networks feed data across the plant, cobots handle assembly, and AI is starting to inspect parts on the line. Manufacturers say technicians who can program, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems are some of the hardest people to hire. A real production line is too expensive and too critical to hand over to students, and standalone PLC trainers rarely show how a PLC fits into a connected production system.
Lucas-Nuelle's Automation Technology training systems close that gap. Students start with PLC fundamentals and work up to complete Industry 4.0 production lines. Along the way they program real Siemens controllers, commission modular production stations, and work with robotics, augmented reality, and AI. Klein Educational supplies these systems to high schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce development centers, and helps each program get the right system configured and running.
What are Lucas-Nuelle Automation Technology training systems?
Lucas-Nuelle's Automation Technology line is a modular family of trainers. It builds hands-on skills in control, sensors, actuators, and networking for Industry 4.0. The line includes:
IMS (Industrial Mechatronics System): a modular production line with stations for conveying, testing, storage, painting, assembly, and AI quality inspection. The stations can run on their own or connect into a full production system.
Industrial Mechatronic Unit with a freely programmable Siemens PLC
Siemens SIMATIC PLC training using TIA Portal
Virtual Industrial Systems with Siemens LOGO!, which connects a real controller to virtual 3D factory processes
Robotics: a three-axis gantry robot and cobot programming with the Dobot MG400
IO-Link smart devices
IMS Factory App, an augmented reality app for monitoring and maintaining the IMS stations
Interactive Lab Assistant courses guide each system, and instructors can edit the content to fit their own curriculum.
What students learn
Students start with PLC fundamentals in Siemens TIA Portal: logic, timers, counters, and step sequence programs. Then they program HMI touch panels and process analog signals. From there they set up PROFINET networks, commission individual production stations, and connect them into a complete production line that handles product variants. Robotics work covers gantry robot and cobot programming. Advanced topics include configuring IO-Link devices, connecting PLCs to AI systems over OPC UA, and using augmented reality for signal configuration and maintenance. Lucas-Nuelle also lists alignment with SACA (Smart Automation Certification Alliance) Industry 4.0 credentials, so programs can build toward industry-recognized certifications on the same equipment.
How Klein Educational supports your program
Klein Educational works with CTE directors, college department heads, and workforce program managers from the first conversation through installation and beyond. That includes needs assessment, system configuration, lab and facility planning, and instructor training on the Lucas-Nuelle platform. As a Lucas-Nuelle partner, we have direct access to the full product line and Lucas-Nuelle's support team, which means faster answers and deeper product knowledge for your program.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Automation Technology line cover? PLC programming, Industry 4.0 production systems, mechatronics, robotics and cobots, IO-Link, industrial networking, augmented reality, and AI quality control.
Which PLCs do the systems use? Lucas-Nuelle automation systems use Siemens controllers, including SIMATIC with TIA Portal and Siemens LOGO!.
Does the line support certifications? Lucas-Nuelle lists alignment with SACA Industry 4.0 credentials, from Basic Operations through Robot System Operations and IIoT, Networking and Data Analytics.
Does Klein Educational help with setup and installation? Yes. Klein works with programs from needs assessment through system configuration, facility planning, installation, and staff training.
Ready to Bring Lucas-Nuelle Automation Training to Your Program?
Whether you're starting a PLC course, building an Industry 4.0 lab, or preparing students for SACA certification, our team will help you find the right Lucas-Nuelle configuration for your needs and budget.