High school students dive into the world of industrial engineering at AUS boot camp

Industrial engineering, a discipline at the forefront of innovation and efficiency in today's world, took center stage at American University of Sharjah (AUS) as the Department of Industrial Engineering held its highly anticipated industrial engineering boot camp for high school students recently, offering them an extraordinary learning experience to ignite their curiosity, foster their creativity and equip them with the skills needed to excel in this dynamic field.

“Industrial engineering is a rapidly growing field, and the boot camp provided students with a distinctive opportunity to explore and experience potential career pathways. Students were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the skills and challenges associated with industrial engineering, as well as the role of an industrial engineer in today’s revolutionary world,” said Dr. Abdulrahim Shamayleh, Associate Professor and Head of the AUS Department of Industrial Engineering.

Close to 60 students from 26 schools across the UAE participated in the camp’s interactive sessions and competitions, each focusing on a distinct area of industrial engineering. Students first explored facility design, learning about different plant layouts and their impact on system efficiency and productivity. Engaging in friendly competitions, students honed their skills in determining the best layout for specific product varieties and quantities.

In the session on "Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0" students discovered the transformative effects of the new industrial revolution. They explored modern manufacturing methods using robotics, artificial intelligence and computer-controlled machines that respond in real-time to changing conditions. 

Students eager to learn about the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in industrial engineering explored how AI empowers decision-making, optimizing product quality, marketing strategies and healthcare decisions in the session "Industrial Engineering, Leading Decision-Making through AI." They had the opportunity to build their own AI models and test them in a real-world environment, developing valuable problem-solving skills.

Another highlight of the bootcamp was the session "Supply Chain: From Raw Material to Order Fulfillment," where students immersed themselves in the newly developed Supply Chain Lab, gaining insights into warehousing, material handling, manufacturing processes, inspection and quality control. The session culminated in a LEGO robot competition, allowing students to design, build and program their own robotic units using the lab's kits and controllers.

Student Abedalrahman Mirza from International School of Choueifat, Dubai Investment Park, said: “Attending the industrial engineering boot camp was instrumental in deciding whether industrial engineering was a fit for me or not. I am now aware of the different elements that constitute what industrial engineering is. Equipped with this knowledge, I can now make an informed decision regarding pursuing it further.”

"The industrial engineering boot camp was extremely useful and helpful, even though I hadn't planned to pursue this major. It made me rethink my choices. I learned different programs like AutoCAD and saw amazing machines and models of resin and how they were made. I really recommend this experience for anyone who wants advice on what to do in their college life.," said Janna Al Haffar, a participating student from Victoria International School.

Students interested in studying industrial engineering at AUS are invited to join the Industrial Engineering Open Day on June 11. For information on how to register and to see a list of CEN camps for high school students taking place in July, please visit https://info.aus.edu/cen-events-06-07.