Typical learning factories are characterized by selective simplification or scaling-down of complex and large-scale production processes, while also safely containing risks in the case of process failures inherent to experimental and didactic activities. The variety of aspects preserved by these scaled-down environments allow different approaches to be taken in research and education. The paper compares two facilities, at TU Wien and at MTA SZTAKI in Budapest, respectively, and highlights differences in their modes of operation, the resulting variations of course-based vs. project-based didactic approaches, as well as their place in technical higher education.