National Manufacturing Month and Beyond
October 28, 2022
By Sarah Mellish
Known as National Manufacturing Month, there’s no better time than October to reflect on the importance of building a sustainable workforce for a more resilient future. As manufacturers across the country host student tours, Yaskawa Motoman continues to take part in STEM-centric events that fuel optimism for careers in robotic automation, as well as offer comprehensive robot training through Yaskawa Academy.
Recently, our experts attended the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show), where our workforce and education booth offered hands-on learning opportunities to both educators and students. From a “real world” robot programming experience to an interactive pick and place robot task, each demonstration featured technologies used in industrial settings. Our integration partner, GennFlex, also featured several Industry 4.0 robotic training solutions at the event.
Upskill Your Current Workforce
As innovative tools, such as high-performance robots, permeate the industrial landscape to address employment gaps, customer demands and ongoing disruption, decision makers are identifying necessary skills and investing in training to gain the highly adaptable workforce needed.
A key part of this educational process is providing workers the chance to learn on the same equipment deployed in factories around the world. Whether through a robotic simulation tool, STEM robotic platform or an in-person training class, a variety of options exist to upskill current workers or train new employees.
Depending on location, employers may be eligible for workforce training reimbursement. For example, Ohio’s TechCred program reimburses employers for select training opportunities, where employees can gain the necessary credentials to operate advanced technology safely and effectively for a better ROI.
Plan to Attend ACTE
A world leader in developing and providing state-of-the-art technology training solutions, our integration partner, Intelitek, will be at the ACTE (Association for Career & Technical Education) CareerTech Vision Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Convention Center (November 30-December 3). Highlighting the importance of workforce development, the Intelitek booth (#915) will feature Industry 4.0 training solutions, including Yaskawa robots, that facilitate workforce development.
Join Yaskawa at FETC
Looking ahead, Yaskawa Motoman is busy planning for the Future of Education Technology® Conference (FETC)®Future of Education Technology® Conference (FETC). Taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (January 23-26, 2023) our education technology professionals are excited to interact with attendees and showcase interactive robotic technology that can help prepare tomorrow’s workforce. Featured solutions include:
Offline Programming and Robotic Simulation
Facilitating a “real world” virtual robotic experience via an actual teach pendant, Yaskawa’s MotoSim® Touch®MotoSim® Touch will be available to test your offline robot programming and robot simulation skills.
Compact Robotic Assembly
Featured in a small-part processing workcell, two MotoMini robots will work closely together to highlight extremely compact robotic assembly. One of the smallest and lightest six-axis robots in the industry, the MotoMini utilizes the ultra-compact YRC1000micro robot controller with standard teach pendant.
Robotics Training Solutions
Our educational STEM cart will be performing an interactive pick and place task. Versatile solutions like this are ideal for classrooms, labs and training centers that offer robotic automation or mechatronic programs.
Participation in workforce development and educational events must remain a top priority for manufacturers – as it is a necessary step in maintaining the excitement needed to foster an educational ecosystem that is poised to prepare students for advanced manufacturing careers. Be sure to follow our Yaskawa events page for our upcoming webinars and show appearances.
