In March of 2021 V.U. was awarded an 8 million dollar grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the competitive Phase 3 of its initiative, Charting the Future of Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. The grant will help VU build a talent pipeline for Industry 4.0 in advanced automation and collaborative robots, or cobots. The Center for Applied Robotics and Automation collaborates with the University’s partners, Telamon Corporation and Techman Robots. The center will provide training for students in manufacturing and logistics in order to develop a workforce ecosystem for Industry 4.0 in Indiana. It serves as a training lab and hub for developing curricula and credentials related to cobots throughout the state. Cobot learning labs are currently in Vincennes, Jasper, and Lebanon.
The center’s mission also includes helping VU expand its ongoing efforts to develop and promote Industry 4.0 education and training to K-12 students. It supports endeavors to reach students by engaging them in STEM-focused programming, building on existing partnerships with CTE educators throughout the state, deploying cobots to various Early College Career Centers, and continuing VU’s collaboration with Purdue’s Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC). The center also trains industry partners who plan to integrate collaborative robots into their facilities.
Vincennes University is committed to empowering individuals and industries with cutting-edge knowledge in cobot and Industry 4.0 technology. Through education, hands-on exposure, and comprehensive training, the CARA ignites a passion for automation. By offering first-class learning experiences, we are a catalyst for cultivating adept professionals who drive productivity and reshape industries.
