At the Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT), a demonstration system for training in the technologies of the industry of the future
Inaugurated on September 24, 2026, at the Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT), the TEDS – Industry of the Future demonstration facility is a technological and educational space dedicated to Industry 4.0. It allows students to experiment with industrial processes—from sorting recyclable plastics to processing them—while raising their awareness of the challenges of the ecological transition.
Educational equipment that closely mirrors real-world industrial conditions
How can we identify, sort, and recycle plastic waste? How can we turn recycled material into a new product? These are just some of the questions that students at the IUT in Nîmes can now answer by gaining hands-on experience with industrial processes.
The TEDS – Industry of the Future demonstrator brings together various pieces of equipment that allow students to explore technologies used in the industrial world. It is part of a hands-on training approach designed to help students discover and work with devices similar to those they may encounter in the workplace.
The inauguration of this space, held on Thursday, September 24, took place in the presence of Philippe Augé, president of the University of Montpellier; Vincent Bouget, president of Nîmes Métropole and mayor of Nîmes; Julie Delalonde, regional councilor for the Occitanie Region; and Moulay Saïd El Youssoufi, director of the Nîmes IUT.
From Plastic Sorting to Processing
The demonstration facility relies, in particular, on a line of equipment dedicated to the recycling and recovery of plastics.
A first system, consisting of a sensor installed on an automated conveyor belt, can identify seven types of plastics—similar to those used in sorting centers—and allows students to learn about the technologies used to classify and sort waste based on its type.
A second machine takes this process a step further by transforming recycled plastic into new products. Using an injection molding process, the pre-sorted plastics can be used to manufacture reusable cups, such as Ecocup-style cups.
The demonstration unit also includes equipment that simulates the operation of an air-handling unit, modeled after the systems used in refrigerators, among other applications. This setup allows students to become familiar with the operating principles of thermal equipment and to explore the applications of HVAC engineering.
The Ecological Transition at the Heart of Learning
Beyond introducing students to industrial technologies, the TEDS demonstration facility puts the principles of ecological transition and sustainable development into practice. The sorting, recycling, and processing of plastics provide students with a practical framework for understanding the challenges of resource management and material recovery.
This project illustrates the commitment to integrating instruction on technological advancements and environmental challenges that future professionals will face. It promotes an experiential approach to learning, in which students can observe processes, understand how they work, and explore their applications.
The demonstration project was made possible thanks to the support of Nîmes Métropole, the Occitanie Region, and the University of Montpellier. It also reflects the commitment of the IUT’s faculty and students, whose collective efforts made this project a reality.
This initiative is part of the University of Montpellier’s “Call for Projects (AAP) on Education” initiative, which supports the evolution of teaching practices and the integration of ecological transition and sustainability issues into educational programs.
A space open to local partners and businesses
Designed for students, partners, and businesses, the TEDS – Industry of the Future demonstration center aims to become a place for discovery, experimentation, and discussion centered on industrial technologies.
By combining technological resources, hands-on learning, and awareness of environmental issues, the Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT) is strengthening its educational programs and its ties to the socio-economic sector. This approach helps prepare students for the transformations taking place in industry and the challenges of its transition.