How it works / pro-digi-hub

A Place Where Ideas Turn Into Solutions

Škoda Auto has opened ProDigi Hub, a digital corner in Hall M18 that takes you on a tour through the world of technology.

The Production and Logistics area opened the new innovation hub in January. The idea for this space grew out of a pillar of the company-wide Next Level Škoda Strategy, one that targets the development of digital skills and agile thinking.

“This is a new approach to education through which we support anyone interested, introduce modern technologies in a playful way and foster creative thinking at the very core of Škoda Auto, in production,” says Andreas Dick, Board Member for Production and Logistics.

ProDigi Hub is open to all Škoda Auto employees, as well as vocational school students with access to the company premises.

“Anyone can visit, from complete beginners to advanced users who already have a specific idea of how they want to use one of the technologies available here. I show visitors the possibilities that open up for them when they work with our hardware and software,” says Jan Karásek, DigiCorner Innovator and the hub’s trainer. From there, everyone is free to continue learning and working at their own pace.

“We help people to expand their sense of what the very latest technologies are capable of. Many employees know about 3D printing, AI or camera systems, but here they discover the deeper possibilities of the latest solutions,” adds J. Karásek.

A trainer who opens doors to hands-on experience

The trainer in the innovation corner is always ready to help. He introduces visitors to the technologies and supports them as they explore them further.

“I help employees turn their ideas into reality, either by directly addressing the problem at hand or by referring them to a specialist in a specific technology,” says J. Karásek.

For example, in the field of 3D printing, ProDigi Hub demonstrates how to use the Meshy.AI tool, which can generate a printable 3D model from image files. For camera systems, the focus is on end-of-line quality inspection, where cameras, paired with the right software, can perform inspections more accurately and reliably than the human eye.

At the artificial intelligence station, employees can work with paid versions of popular AI services. These allow them to acquire specific skills, including programming with the help of AI.

Visitors can also try a programmable Lego kit that can be fully controlled via a tablet app. It moves in response to stimuli detected by its advanced sensors, combining robotics with the basics of programming.

We visited the new digital corner with three colleagues and a trainer and asked them to show you around. Each of them had a different, but always positive, experience with ProDigi Hub, and they were eager to invite you to visit as well.

Jan Karásek

DigiCorner Innovator

Trainer 
ProDigi Hub is a great opportunity to learn how modern technology can make your personal and professional life easier. It helps you to keep pace with rapidly evolving times and ensures you don’t miss anything important.

Jan Klacek 

Mechatronics Engineer, Application Technology
PFOB – Paint Shop B

Thanks to ProDigi Hub, he has already created several tools.
Many colleagues think they need to be experts in digital technologies. The opposite is true: This is exactly the place where you can start with confidence. All you need is curiosity; everything else will follow.

Pavla Vlčková

Data Steward for Logistics
PLS/1 – Logistics Systems

She spends about two hours a week in the innovation hub.
ProDigi Hub is a place where curiosity quickly turns into practice. Short, fun lessons for everyone, regardless of skill level.

Martin Simulík

Coordinator
PF2M/14 –Assembly Line 
MB II – Section IV

He visited the digital corner with us for the first time. 
The greatest value of ProDigi Hub lies not only in the technology but also in the people who meet here. When production experience is combined with new digital tools, solutions emerge that nobody would have come up with on their own.