Digital Transformation in Higher Education: A Comparative Exploration of Industry 4.0 in Switzerland and Mexico

The introduction of Industry 4.0 has boosted the use of new technologies. Product and service companies are aiming for improvements in operational efficiency and profitability. In this context, collaborative robots (Cobots) are a promising technology offering safe collaboration with humans in the workplace. Higher education must provide skilled personnel in these new technologies. One of the significant university offerings is the practice laboratory, where theory is applied, and relevant projects are developed. The Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland has introduced practical activities using Cobots in their laboratories and student projects for local manufacturing companies focused on Industry 4.0 activities. At Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico, a private university, programs under new curricula in its educational model (Tec 21) redirect efforts toward digital transformation. This work analyzes the Swiss and Mexican models. It proposes a method to adapt the activities in Mexico that emphasizes using new technologies as part of the digital transformation.