As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) unfolds, characterized by disruptive digital technologies, engineering higher education (HE) faces the imperative to adapt swiftly to equip the next generation of engineers with pertinent competencies. This adaptation is crucial not only for imparting relevant knowledge and skills but also for integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into the curriculum. The preparedness of faculty is pivotal in this transformation, as they are required to have the necessary tools, competencies, and mindset. However, existing educational research on HE faculty attitudes towards Industry 4.0 technologies (I4.0T) and their readiness to integrate these technologies into their teaching is sparse.

This study addresses this gap by exploring faculty familiarity with I4.0T, their perceptions, and their intentions to teach these technologies. The research involved 107 faculty members from local colleges and universities, utilizing a self-report questionnaire and employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. Findings indicate a moderate familiarity with I4.0 concepts and technologies but a low level of actual application in teaching, suggesting that many faculty members lack the necessary background to effectively teach these concepts and technologies. Despite this, there is a recognition among faculty of the value that integrating I4.0T can bring to students.

Notably, less than one-third of the faculty feel competent to integrate these technologies into their teaching, and only about a quarter are currently doing so or plan to in the future. The study recommends two main strategies for enhancing the integration of I4.0T in HE: firstly, developing and implementing policies that encourage faculty to engage with and frequently use I4.0T, specifically focusing on 3D printing and augmented reality; secondly, providing the necessary resources, infrastructure, and support asked for by the faculty to bolster their confidence and competence in using I4.0T in their classes.

Keywords: Industry 4.0 technologies, higher education, faculty members.