MTC Modellbau® has developed and manufactured an interactive factory model for PwC Germany, combining physical model making, automation and digital applications in a single innovative presentation solution.
The model is installed at the PwC Experience Center in Frankfurt, Germany, where it demonstrates modern manufacturing processes in an interactive and engaging way. A complete production line featuring robots, machinery and conveyor systems responds to digital commands and different operating scenarios.
The highlight: the interactive industrial model works in sync with a web application and transparent displays. Digital commands are transmitted directly to the physical model and visualized through movements, machine sequences and programmable LED lighting.
The result is a physical-digital exhibit that makes complex production processes easy to understand and experience.
A Complete Production Line as a Functional Model
The factory model developed for PwC simulates a production process consisting of four main stations.
The system includes:
- a two-axis robotic arm
- a second single-axis robot
- a CNC machine
- a laser station
- four integrated conveyor belts
- a total of nine servo motors
- programmable WS2812B LED lighting
- Arduino-based control
- USB Type-C interfaces for communication with the digital system
All components have been programmed and coordinated to create a dynamic production sequence.
Nine Servo Motors Create Realistic Movements
A total of nine servo motors control the various movements within the model. These include the movements of the robots as well as additional functions at the individual production stations.
As a result, the factory model is much more than a static display. It is a fully functional interactive industrial model capable of physically demonstrating different processes within a modern production environment.
By combining professional model making, mechanics, electronics and programming, complex industrial processes can be presented in a clear and visually impressive way.
Programmable LED Lighting Visualizes the System Status
In addition to mechanical movement, lighting plays an important role in the model. Addressable WS2812B LEDs are integrated into the system.
Individual production stations can therefore be illuminated selectively, while different operating conditions are represented using specific lighting effects.
Depending on the selected scenario, both the movement sequences and the lighting of the model change. Visitors can immediately recognize the current status of each production station.
Web Application Controls the Physical Factory Model
One of the project’s key features is the direct connection between the physical model and a digital user interface.
The factory model can be controlled via a web application. Commands from the digital application are transmitted through the integrated interface to the microcontroller. The controller processes the information and controls the servo motors and LED lighting accordingly.
An action performed on the digital interface therefore produces an immediate and visible response in the physical model.
This creates a seamless connection between the digital application and the real-world model, resulting in an interactive presentation experience.
Interactive Simulation of Normal Operation, Maintenance and Faults
Different operating conditions of the production system can be simulated through the digital user interface.
For example, when “Maintenance” mode is activated for a specific station, the corresponding motors reduce their speed while the LED lighting changes to a pulsating blue effect.
When a “Repair” or fault scenario is selected, the corresponding station stops and is highlighted with red lighting.
In normal operation, the station returns to its standard movement sequence and is indicated by green lighting.
This makes it possible to demonstrate different production, maintenance and fault scenarios directly on the physical model.
Connecting the Physical and Digital Worlds at the PwC Experience Center
This project demonstrates the potential of interactive models for experience centers, showrooms and innovative presentation environments.
Instead of explaining complex industrial processes exclusively through screens, presentations or animations, the physical factory model adds a tangible, real-world dimension.
Visitors to the PwC Experience Center in Frankfurt can experience how digital decisions directly influence a simulated manufacturing process.
The combination of transparent displays, a web application and a physical industrial model creates a modern and immersive presentation experience.
A digitally selected operating condition immediately triggers a response in the model – through movement, changes in speed, machine stops or corresponding LED signals.
Interactive Industrial Models for Experience Centers, Showrooms and Trade Shows
MTC Modellbau® develops and manufactures custom industrial models, functional models and interactive exhibits for companies and technical applications.
Depending on the project requirements, our models can integrate moving machinery and system components, robots, conveyor technology, servo motors, programmable LED lighting, touchscreens, control panels, microcontrollers and external digital applications.
We combine modern manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and CNC machining with professional model making, high-quality finishing, electronics, mechanics and individual programming.
Making Complex Production Processes Tangible
The factory model developed for PwC Germany demonstrates how a conventional presentation model can be transformed into an intelligent and interactive communication tool.
Mechanical movements, digital control, transparent displays and visual status indicators make industrial processes compact, understandable and engaging.
At the PwC Experience Center in Frankfurt, the model serves as a physical interface between digital simulation and the real world.
Are you planning an interactive factory model, industrial model, functional model or digital exhibit for your experience center, showroom or trade show?
MTC Modellbau® develops custom models and interactive presentation solutions – from design and manufacturing to mechanics, electronics and programming.
MTC Modellbau® – Premium models for projects with character.
The Best + 1 by MTC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Interactive Factory Models
What is an interactive factory model?
An interactive factory model is a physical scale model of a production facility or manufacturing process that integrates functional elements such as moving machinery, robots, conveyor systems, lighting and digital controls. It can be used to demonstrate complex industrial processes in an understandable and engaging way.
Can an industrial model be controlled digitally?
Yes. Depending on the project, an industrial model can be connected to web applications, touchscreens, control panels or external control systems. Digital commands can trigger physical movements, lighting effects and predefined process sequences directly within the model.
What functions can be integrated into a factory model?
Interactive factory models can include robots, conveyor belts, moving machinery, servo motors, programmable LED lighting, sensors, touch controls, microcontrollers and individually programmed process simulations. The exact functionality is developed according to the customer’s requirements and the intended application.
Who manufactures custom interactive industrial models?
MTC Modellbau® develops and manufactures custom interactive industrial models, factory models and functional models for companies. Our solutions can combine professional model making with mechanics, electronics, LED technology and digital control systems for use at trade shows, experience centers, showrooms and corporate presentation environments.