The Tiger Motors Lab, commonly referred to as the Lego Lab, provides a hands-on experience for our Industrial and Systems Engineering students. All elements of lean manufacturing systems are on display. Students work in the Lego Lab throughout the semester reinforcing the material taught in the classroom. To simulate lean culture, four teams of six students are assembled with a selected leader to accomplish challenging throughput and quality targets. Teams are interdependent requiring communication and coordination to be successful. Experiential Learning Theory, supported by years of research, has demonstrated the superior efficacy of this approach. Learning is both intellectual and emotional which translates to success for the student upon entering their chosen profession. The Lego Lab is also utilized as a training facility for Senior Management teams from leading industrial companies.
Purpose
- Develop "Lean Engineers" with the capability to immediately evaluate complex systems and propose solutions.
- Prepare students with the expectation of becoming future leaders of industry within the region.
- Train Senior Management teams to assure the development of a common language and purpose to become world-class.
- Provide a complex system for students to continuously improve which challenges the systems of local industry.
Education
To produce student capability and understanding that is equivalent to 10 years of actual manufacturing experience.
Vision
To challenge the management philosophy and approach of the manufacturing industry by providing a world-class demonstration facility.
HISTORY OF THE LAB
The initial project was established in 2011. From the beginning, students were the resource for continuous improvement. Student projects assigned within the courses of Senior Design and Lean Manufacturing added complexity and capability to the system. The Lego Lab is completely student-built! Faculty, graduate teaching assistants, and research assistants provided project guidance. Funding for equipment was provided by Auburn University and industry partners. The Lego Lab is ever-changing. The journey is continuous.
LOCATION
The 4,000 sq.ft. Lego Lab is located in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
The assembly line at Tiger Motors simulates the processes of the Toyota Production System using part quantities and cycle times similar to what is found in the automotive industry.
Students build two vehicles across 15 processes, a 277-piece sports car, and a 234-piece SUV, at a rate of 60-second per unit.
The lab can accommodate up to 35 students.
Legos are excellent for simulating real-world manufacturing processes. Throughput, quality and system waste are experienced and resolved. The Lean tools needed are used by students to meet objectives.
Pictured Left: John Shook, chairman and CEO of the Lean Enterprise Institute, shares his Lean Engineering knowledge with students in the lab.
Contact us!
345 W Magnolia Ave, Auburn University, AL 36849