This week, Basque Automation welcomed vocational training students from Easo Politeknikoa, along with an international group of students from Norway, Sykkylven vidaregäande skule, for a hands-on experience focused on industrial automation, robotics, and Industry 5.0.
This initiative, promoted together with the ESG department of Larraioz Group and in collaboration with the Fundación Francisco Aristeguieta Urgoiti, aims to foster STEAM vocations, attract young talent, and promote diversity within the industrial sector—especially encouraging more women to pursue careers in automation and robotics.
A 500 m² showroom: where technology becomes tangible
The activity took place in the 500 m² showroom of Basque Automation, a unique environment designed to showcase real industrial automation technologies in operation.
Students interacted with automation cells, observed real production processes, and understood how different technologies are integrated into complete industrial solutions. This hands-on approach allows participants to move beyond theory and experience automation in a real industrial context.
EX Mission: engineering decisions in a real-world scenario
At the core of the visit was the technical escape room EX Mission, where participants took on the role of engineers and system integrators.
Their challenge was to respond to the needs of 12 machinery manufacturers and integrators, selecting the most appropriate technologies for different industrial applications and ensuring that these solutions effectively reach end users.
This dynamic allowed students to develop key competencies such as:
- Technical analysis of industrial processes
- Technology selection and evaluation
- Decision-making in engineering environments
- Teamwork and collaboration
All within the framework of Industry 5.0, where technology is designed to support and enhance human operators.
Advanced automation technologies: European and Japanese expertise
During the experience, students explored a wide range of advanced automation technologies, including:
- Linear motion systems from LinMot
- Cartesian and SCARA robotics from IAI Automation
- Anthropomorphic robots from Kawasaki Robotics
This diverse technological ecosystem reflects a flexible and manufacturer-independent approach, enabling efficient solutions for a wide variety of industrial processes.
From traditional PLCs to MICC: in-house industrial computer manufacturing
One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to explore the manufacturing process of industrial computers and MICC (Machine Integrated Cognitive Controllers) developed by Basque Automation.
Students observed key stages of the production process:
- SMD assembly lines
- Inspection systems such as SPI, AOI, and 3D verification
- Functional testing
- Burn-in processes lasting 24 to 48 hours
All systems are designed and manufactured in the Basque Country (EU), ensuring technological independence, quality control, and long-term reliability.
Key engineering questions raised during the visit
The visit also encouraged critical thinking. Some of the most relevant questions included:
- Why integrate PLC and HMI into a single controller?
Because centralizing intelligence improves system integrity and reduces failure points. - Why maintain physical pushbuttons if a touchscreen is available?
Because industrial environments demand robustness. Critical functions such as Start, Stop, or Cycle must remain reliable even under wear, contamination, or intensive use. - What is the advantage of integrating an FPGA?
It enables microsecond-level response times, essential for high-speed processes that cannot rely solely on cyclic PLC execution. - Why develop hardware-independent software?
To avoid dependency on specific manufacturers and ensure long-term sustainability of the system. - Why integrate an internal UPS?
To maintain traceability and prevent data loss during power disturbances.
CODESYS: a standardized and flexible development environment
CODESYS is a leading software development platform for industrial automation, based on the international IEC 61131-3 standard.
It allows programming of different PLCs using five standardized languages (LD, ST, FBD, SFC, IL), enabling:
- Hardware-independent development
- Code portability across platforms
- Reduced engineering time
- Greater flexibility in system design
This approach aligns with the philosophy of open and scalable automation systems.
ICOMACON: advancing control architecture standardization
The ICOMACON project focuses on redefining industrial control architectures to make them more efficient, scalable, and future-proof.
Its key objectives include:
- Standardizing control system design
- Simplifying integration between hardware and software
- Reducing development and commissioning time
- Enabling modular and scalable automation solutions
ICOMACON represents a step forward in aligning industrial automation with the demands of Industry 5.0.
A unique setting: combining technology and nature
Beyond the technical experience, the visit also included time in a privileged natural environment surrounding the facilities of Basque Automation.
Students enjoyed an outdoor break (hamaiketako), fostering interaction, collaboration, and cultural exchange in a relaxed setting.
Building the future of industry: talent, diversity, and connection
This initiative responds to a key challenge in today’s industrial landscape:
- Attracting young talent
- Increasing diversity and female participation
- Connecting education with real industrial environments
- Facilitating knowledge transfer
At Basque Automation, we actively collaborate with educational institutions and industry partners to build this bridge.
Easy access to real industrial innovation
Visiting Basque Automation is straightforward and open to vocational training centers, universities, and industrial companies.
The objective is clear: to make automation tangible—see it, understand it, and apply it.
For organizations interested in advancing their automation processes, we also facilitate connections with machinery manufacturers and system integrators.
Key Points: creating the difference
The value proposition of Basque Automation is built on:
- Integration of control and operator interface in a single system
- Hardware-independent software
- European design and manufacturing
- Industrial robustness and reliability
- Human-centric automation aligned with Industry 5.0
Looking ahead
At Basque Automation, we will continue promoting initiatives such as EX Mission, robotics workshops, and technical visits.
Because the future of industry depends not only on technology, but on the people who design, implement, and evolve it.