Work in Progress. Fun with Industrial Automation: Hands-On Learning Ladder Logic with LogixPro 500 Simulator

Automation plays an important and irreplaceable part in many modern industries, where automated control systems gather, analyze, and respond to information almost autonomously to increase productivity. The goal of this project is to use the LogixPro 500 PLC simulator to teach ladder logic programming to students in the sixth term of the Mechatronics Engineering program easily and interactively by using real-life industrial process simulations. Students learn in a gamified environment by designing, implementing, and fixing automation systems. We covered electrical circuit wiring, timers, counters, and shift registers while evaluating the motivation and engagement of students using the MDI-EE and MUSIC instruments.