The fast evolution of Industry 4.0 and smart factory technologies requires a shift in engineering education toward greater integration of hands-on learning with advanced industrial systems. This paper presents two educational experiments aimed at enhancing student preparedness and engagement in robotics and automation. The first investigates the effect of pre-lab virtual training using digital twin software on student efficiency during robotic programming tasks. Results show that prior virtual preparation reduces completion time and supports more effective problem-solving, although learning transfer varies among individuals. The second experiment evaluates student perceptions of the Beckhoff XPlanar platform as a teaching tool for industrial transport systems. Survey results reveal strong appreciation for the educational value of real hardware, despite challenges in programming difficulty and time constraints. The findings highlight the pedagogical benefits of combining simulation-based preparation with hands-on experience in modern robotics education.