Empowering the Next Generation of Automation: Phoenix Contact at the Smart Factory Institute

As a Smart Factory Technology Partner, Phoenix Contact led a hands-on PLCnext Ecosystem workshop for students and industry professionals.

The Smart Factory Institute was thrilled to welcome one of our valued Technology Partners, Phoenix Contact, for two engaging, hands-on workshops focused on the future of industrial automation.

As a Smart Factory technology partner, Phoenix Contact has access to utilize our space for training, collaboration, and innovation. Their training sessions demonstrated exactly what that partnership is all about: connecting people, technology, and education to advance the future of smart manufacturing.

Hands-On Learning for Students and Industry Leaders

On Tuesday, Phoenix Contact hosted a student-focused session introducing the PLCnext Ecosystem, a next-generation control platform designed for today’s connected factories.

Students explored what PLCs are, created their very first automation programs, and learned how modern machines connect and communicate using PLCnext Engineer software. The best part? No prior experience was required, just curiosity and the desire to learn how automation drives the technology of tomorrow.

The following day, Phoenix Contact welcomed industry professionals for an advanced, one-day training that dove deeper into open architecture, flexible IEC 61131 programming, and integration with industrial protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT. Participants gained practical experience in building IIoT-ready systems, while discovering how PLCnext enables scalable solutions, advanced diagnostics, and seamless online editing — all critical skills for today’s evolving manufacturing landscape.

More about Phoenix Contact

Headquartered in Blomberg, Germany, and with U.S. operations based in Pennsylvania, Phoenix Contact is a global leader in industrial automation, electrical engineering, and digitalization technologies. With more than 20,000 employees worldwide, the company develops products and solutions that power everything from energy systems to data connectivity and smart manufacturing environments.

Their mission is simple yet powerful: to empower innovation through connection — whether that means connecting devices, data, or people. From PLCnext Technology to industrial communication and cloud integration, Phoenix Contact is driving the transformation toward more intelligent, sustainable, and interconnected factories. Learn more about their global impact at phoenixcontact.com.

Advancing Manufacturing Through Collaboration

Technology partnerships like the one with Phoenix Contact are at the heart of the Smart Factory Institute’s mission. By bringing together industry leaders, educators, and innovators, we provide opportunities for real-world learning and applied technology exploration. These workshops not only equip participants with valuable new skills but also strengthen the collaborative ecosystem that defines the Smart Factory — where technology meets workforce development.

Interested in Becoming a Technology Partner?

If your organization shares our vision for advancing manufacturing innovation, we’d love to collaborate. Contact us here to learn more about partnership opportunities, space usage, and how your company can showcase its technology to students, manufacturers, and the broader industry network.