Industry: Manufacturing
Title: Embedded Systems Training Transforms Mechanical Engineering Team
Overview Box:
- Client: Manufacturing Equipment Supplier, Sweden
- Industry: Industrial Manufacturing / Automation
- Service: Training & Development
- Duration: 6 weeks intensive program
- Participants: 12 mechanical engineers
Challenge: A manufacturing equipment supplier was transitioning to increasingly software-driven products. Their mechanical engineers – highly skilled in mechanics, hydraulics, and pneumatics – needed to understand embedded systems to:
- Collaborate effectively with software engineers
- Debug issues in the field
- Design products considering software/hardware integration
- Reduce dependency on external embedded contractors
Previous training attempts failed because:
- Too theoretical, not practical enough
- No connection to company’s actual products
- Engineers felt intimidated and lost interest
Hisland’s Approach: We designed a custom “Embedded Systems for Mechanical Engineers” program specifically for this client:
Program Structure:
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Format: 2 evening sessions per week (3 hours each) + weekend hands-on labs
- Approach: 60% practical, 40% theory
- Projects: Using actual company hardware and products
Curriculum:
- Week 1-2: Embedded systems fundamentals, microcontroller basics
- Week 3-4: Sensor integration, CAN bus communication, real-world protocols
- Week 5-6: Real project work on company equipment, troubleshooting techniques
Teaching Methods:
- Live coding demonstrations
- Pair programming exercises
- Debugging real equipment failures
- Guest instructors from leading embedded companies
- Peer learning and knowledge sharing
Solution Delivered: ✓ 12 engineers completed intensive 6-week program
✓ 3 real projects completed using actual company hardware
✓ 90%+ knowledge retention verified through practical assessments 3 months later
✓ Hands-on lab sessions with company’s actual equipment
✓ Ongoing support including alumni Slack channel and monthly follow-up sessions
Results: ✓ 8 out of 12 engineers now actively contributing to embedded projects
✓ Reduced dependency on external embedded contractors by 40%
✓ Faster product iterations due to improved cross-functional understanding
✓ ROI achieved in 6 months through reduced contractor costs (€120K saved)
✓ Team confidence increased significantly (measured via surveys)
✓ 2 engineers became internal embedded “champions” mentoring others
✓ Client requested advanced follow-up program for next year
Participant Feedback: “Before this training, I was intimidated by the code and avoided embedded discussions. Now I’m debugging CAN bus issues and even proposing firmware improvements. The hands-on approach using our actual products made all the difference.”
— Anders Svensson, Senior Mechanical Engineer
Client Testimonial: “Our mechanical engineers were intimidated by embedded systems before this training. Hisland’s approach – practical, relevant, and using our actual equipment – transformed them. Now they’re contributing to firmware discussions, identifying issues early, and we’ve significantly reduced our reliance on contractors. Best training investment we’ve made.”
— Erik Lindström, R&D Director, Manufacturing Equipment Supplier
Program Content: Embedded C programming, microcontroller architecture (ARM Cortex), sensor integration, CAN bus protocols, debugging techniques, RTOS basics, practical troubleshooting
