Advanced manufacturing equipment to support workforce training has been installed at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith[1] (UAFS), the university announced Monday (Oct. 27). Equipment and installation was supported by state and federal grants.
The UAFS received more than $5.7 million from Arkansas’ Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program. The HIRED grants are intended to provide funding for state and regional industry-driven partnerships and data-driven education and workforce training programs. Funding for the grants comes from Arkansas Workforce Initiative grant funding and federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
UAFS Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley said in December 2024[2] that $1.7 million in grant proceeds would be used to establish a manufacturing academy.
“It was a transformative day at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith as our partners at SMC completed installation and training of two FAS-200 systems and three Cobot flex trainers that will provide students with new hands-on learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing,” Dr. Latisha Settlage, dean of the College of Business and Industry, said in a statement. “We’re proud to invest in the future of workforce and manufacturing to support the River Valley.”
The latest additions include two FAS-200 automated assembly systems and three ABB Cobot FlexTrainers, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students enrolled in UAFS’s advanced manufacturing and engineering technology programs. Zurich, Switzerland-based ABB owns the former Baldor Electric manufacturing plant in Fort Smith.
“The FAS-200 system includes 12 separate carts that are connected to demonstrate an automated and integrated assembly system much like you would encounter in a manufacturing setting,” Settlage said. “The system allows students to see the application and integration of electronics, robotics, PLCs, and more. Each cart can be separated from the system to further teach the specific and detailed operations of that particular station in the process.”
According to the UAFS press release, the new systems simulate real-world industrial processes and provide comprehensive training in robotics, electronics, programmable logic controllers, and systems integration. Additional equipment upgrades received in October will allow hands-on training in the areas of additive manufacturing, materials testing, process flow, and quality assurance.
“This milestone in support of our Advanced Manufacturing programs is another marker of our commitment to deliver on our mission to support the social mobility of our students and to power the economic growth of the River Valley,” said Dr. Shadow Robinson, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
The program’s next installation will include two RTS-200 robotics training systems, further advancing UAFS’s efforts to provide industry-relevant education aligned with regional workforce demands. The final system install will bring Industry 4.0 technologies – such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and augmented reality – to the UAFS Advanced Manufacturing lab, offering students immersive training with the latest innovations in smart manufacturing.
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References
- ^ University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (uafs.edu)
- ^ in December 2024 (talkbusiness.net)