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Motlow State Community College officially opened its new Automation and Robotics Training Center (ARTC) in McMinnville on Friday, April 26 – marking the completion of a training center unlike any other within the state, according to college officials.
“We are going to showcase this asset,” said Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe during a grand opening event Friday at the new center. “This is a great day.”
The new Motlow State Community College Automation and Robotics Training Center officially opened Friday, April 26 in McMinnville. The 12,500 square-foot facility is located on 4.5 acres of land and was funded by a $5.5 million state grant.
The 12,500 square-foot facility is placed on 4.5 acres of land in McMinnville adjacent to Motlow State’s McMinnville campus and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology campus. It houses robots and training equipment from the top three international robot manufacturers. Currently, there are more than 7,000 robots in operation within a 70-mile radius of the ARTC.
“This is the wave of the future,” claimed Janice Bowling, Tennessee State Senator for the 16th District. “In a few short years, hamburger places to taco places to hotels and motels, they are going to be replacing people, whether we like it or not. So we have a responsibility now to make certain we are educating our young people.”
The first round of certification classes are set to begin in May, with degree-based classes starting in the fall of 2019. There are three pathways for robotics at the Motlow ARTC. There are short-term industry certifications (beginning in May 2019), customized training and a two-year mechatronics degree with a concentration in robotics (beginning fall of 2019).
“With the completion of the ARTC facility we are offering courses that are essential to the needs of local industry that utilize robots,” said Larry Flatt, Motlow executive director of the robotics center. “Our vision of formally partnering with industry to provide training to the exact specifications of the robot manufacturer has come to fruition. The center will provide opportunity for individuals already employed in the robotics field to receive additional manufacturing specific education and certification. It also provides an educational pathway for Motlow students who are seeking an Associate of Applied Science degree or certification in robotics.”
Pictured is one of six teaching laboratories inside the recently opened Motlow Automation and Robotics Training Center in McMinnville. The facility has industrial robots from ABB, FANUC and Motoman, with the capability to teach robotic welding, material handling and work cell design.
In addition, the ARTC offers automation training, including digital systems, sensors, electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, programming and alarm management. Robotic training can be realized through two distinctive pathways: training for industry and job seekers, and instruction for college credit.
“The ARTC’s launch was funded through a Drive to 55 grant,” explained Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence. The grant was in the amount of $5.5 million. “It is a collaboration between the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Board of Regents, Motlow State, and regional business leaders. Sustainment and growth of the program will depend on future corporate and philanthropic support. We built this together, we must sustain it together.”
According to Motlow, robotics degrees and robotics industry-recognized credentials will fuel workforce development and create new high-wage, high-demand jobs in robotics and automation.
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