SCHAUMBURG, IL - The AFS Institute has announced the launch of a new classroom course designed to provide a comprehensive introduction and practical training on Industry 4.0 - the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This course was developed and taught by industry 4.0 expert David Blondheim (Mercury Marine) in consultation with the AFS Industry 4.0 Committee.
Introduction to Industry 4.0 delivers a foundational overview of Industry 4.0 technologies and their role in transforming modern manufacturing. Participants will begin with a look back at previous industrial revolutions to understand the context and challenges of today’s digital transformation. From there, the program explores key technologies such as sensors, data analytics, and automation, while highlighting how these elements work to enable smart factories.
To ensure real-world application, the course integrates two hands-on lab activities:
- Lab 1: Setup and experimentation with a Raspberry Pi and temperature sensor to collect and store live data.
- Lab 2: Hands-on coding with Google Colab to process and visualize data from Lab 1, alongside additional big-data sets.
In addition to technical skills, the program addresses cultural considerations and change-management strategies critical for successfully implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives. Attendees will come away well prepared to evaluate and implement Industry 4.0 strategies and action plans in their companies’ facilities.
The new Industry 4.0 course is now open for enrollment. The course takes place October 29-30, 2025 at AFS HQ in Schaumburg, IL. Reserve your spot as soon as possible. The course has a maximum capacity of 20 students. For more information or to register, click here.
AFS members wishing to participate in the Industry 4.0 Committee, chaired by Jim Wenson, Sinto America, are encouraged to contact Kim at kperna@afsinc.org to join the Committee. AFS also encourages members to mark their calendars for the Foundry Industry 4.0 Conference slated for July 28-29, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $50 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at AFSinc.org.