Humber College in Canada and Rockwell Automation’s have a five-year partnership agreement intended to address the skills gaps in the advanced manufacturing sector and equip students for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers of the future.
Rockwell Automation will also be part of the planned Industry 4.0 consortium hosted by Humber as part of The Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI) helping to integrate more learning pathways and opportunities for students.
“Partnering with Rockwell Automation allows us to strengthen our industry connections and find new ways to prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow,” says Dr. Chris Whitaker, president and CEO, Humber College.
“This partnership means that the Barrett CTI will have more leading-edge equipment to help provide solutions to actual business challenges, and faculty and students will benefit from Rockwell Automation’s expertise and the opportunities for collaboration that are a key part of our polytechnic model of education.”
The partnership will help to expand applied research in advanced manufacturing (Industry 4.0) related to power line communication (PLC) technology and connectivity in the digital factory environment.
Rockwell Automation will also provide guidance and technical support to assist Humber and applied research partner companies to better integrate control systems into advanced manufacturing processes.
The partnership includes, working together to focus on the creation of mini-hubs (living labs) such as, Industry automation, Industry 4.0, Mechatronics and the Internet of Everything centres to support the vision of the Barrett CTI.
The partnership will also foster innovation and education by way of a STEM outreach program to engage youth within Canada, including First and VEX robotics programs.
“The Barrett CTI provides a unique environment where industry, business and students can collaborate to solve some of today’s most pressing business challenges and help companies unlock the value of digital transformation,” says Mike Hutchings, regional vice president, Rockwell Automation.
Helping to address the skills gap, Rockwell Automation’s dedication to Humber will include an initial investment of $250,000 worth of equipment and an annual contribution of $25,000 in equipment during the second and fifth year of the agreement.
“This collaboration is vital and supports our vision to help customers embrace advanced manufacturing and reap the benefits of integrating a modern control system and the internet of things.
“With this collaboration, I am very optimistic about bridging the gap between industry and students, preparing students for the careers of tomorrow and inspiring business’ through the fourth industrial revolution,” adds Hutchings.
