A Delegation of Scientists From GTU Participated in the International Workshop and the Working Meeting of the Governing Board Within the Framework of the Erasmus+ CBHE Project “DIGITECH”

A delegation of scientists from the Georgian Technical University participated in an international workshop and a working meeting of the Governing Board within the framework of the Erasmus+ CBHE project “DIGITECH” at the University of Maribor, MU,Slovenia.

At the event, envisaged by the project action plan, the delegation of the Georgian Technical University was represented by the project leaders: the Chancellor of the Georgian Technical University, Professor Karlo Kopaliani, and the Deputy Director of the Institute “Techinform”, Professor Mariam Razmadze.

The delegation also included the Dean of the Faculty of Transport Systems and Mechanical Engineering, Professor Boris Gitolendia; Deputy Dean, Professor Irine Ugrekhelidze; Professor Aleksandre Metreveli; as well as other members of the consortium – representatives of higher educational institutions and industry from partner countries (Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Slovenia, and Germany).

According to the Deputy Director of the Institute “Techinform”, the main goal of the event was to promote the modernization of curricula at partner universities and to share the best European experience in this field.

As Professor Mariam Razmadze states, the training sessions conducted during the visit were based on the successful experience of the University of Maribor. Special attention was paid to aligning education with real industry needs, strengthening ties between academia and industry, applying simulation methods in the teaching and learning process, and gaining practical experience through cooperation with businesses.

“The working visit program included both classroom activities and practical visits to local business organizations and various sectoral institutions. All project participants were given the opportunity to observe how theoretical knowledge is applied in real laboratory environments through examples of implemented projects. During the visit, we explored the modern simulation and research laboratories of the University of Maribor, which are equipped with the latest technological infrastructure. Particular interest was aroused by a laboratory visit where the simulation and practical components of Ledinek Engineering’s production processes were presented. We became acquainted with the practical implementation of modern industrial technologies in wood processing, automated production processes, and engineering solutions on site. A simulation demonstrating impressive results was presented, clearly illustrating the efficiency and technological accuracy of modern production. A specially prepared lecture was also held during the visit, focusing on the optimization of production processes, quality control systems, and the practical implementation of Industry 4.0 elements. In addition, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of project-based learning models in educational programs, which ensure student involvement in real industrial processes and contribute to their preparation in line with modern labor market requirements,” says Mariam Razmadze.

During the visit, the Chancellor, Professor Karlo Kopaliani, delivered a public lecture. “The DIGITECH project, implementation of Innovative Technologies in the Digitalization of Technological Processes and Production”, aims to reduce the deficit of competencies required for Industry 4.0 and to transform the industrial education system in the Caucasus and Central Asia region.

The piloting and phased implementation of the project’s main results are planned at one of the oldest and leading faculties, at the Faculty of Transport Systems and Mechanical Engineering of the Georgian Technical University. Within the framework of the project, new training courses and modules will be developed and integrated into both existing and newly designed academic programs. In the scientific domain, it is planned to prepare joint research papers, develop best-practice manuals, and initiate new multidisciplinary research projects. After one year of project implementation, a state-of-the-art ‘Digital Twins’ laboratory will be established at the university. This laboratory will support the retraining of academic and visiting staff and contribute to the modernization of teaching methods, taking into account advanced technologies in the field. As a result of the project, the educational process will undergo significant modernization, and fields such as Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence will be further developed.

The project results will contribute to the creation of a modern technology-based learning environment, reduce the gap between educational outcomes and labor market requirements, and address key challenges facing the industry. Such initiatives clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of synergy and integration of existing infrastructure, human resources, and scientific competencies within the university in international educational and research processes,” said Karlo Kopaliani.

Coordination meetings of the project consortium’s Governing Board were held during the working week. These meetings were attended by the institutional coordinator of the project, Head of the GTU Administration, Professor Karlo Kopaliani, and the Head of the Georgian consortium, Deputy Director of the GTU Scientific-Research Institute “Techinform”, Professor Mariam Razmadze.

The Erasmus+ CBHE project “DIGITECH” will be implemented under the leadership of the GTU Institute “Techinform” over the next three years.