FANUC America CERT to Announce New Advanced Automation Challenge 2.0 at IMTS 2016

FANUC announces Advanced Automation Challenge winners at IMTS 2016 and launches Challenge 2.0 to advance STEM skills in manufacturing.

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ROCHESTER HILLS, Mi – (Sept. 12, 2016) – FANUC America Corporation, the leading supplier of robots, CNCs and factory automation, will announce the winners of their first ever Advanced Automation Challenge, and announce a new challenge – Advanced Automation Challenge 2.0 – at IMTS 2016 in the FIRST Theater at the Smartforce Student Summit (Room N-227).

FANUC CERT Advanced Automation Challenge

In early 2016, FANUC America created the Advanced Automation Challenge, a competition that challenges schools involved with FANUC CERT Programs to use STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, math) they’ve learned through FANUC CERT. Student’s entries into the competition would highlight robotic automation technologies, applied to real-world manufacturing applications.

“The skills gap is increasing and manufacturers need a workforce with STEM skills,” said Paul Aiello, director, FANUC Certified Education Training (CERT). “To help narrow the skills gap, FANUC America has created the CERT Program, which teaches students how to use and program FANUC robots in a classroom environment.”

FANUC America will announce the winners of the 2016 Advanced Automation Challenge on Tuesday September 13 at 12:30pm at the FIRST Theater at the Smartforce Student Summit (Room N-227), and at this time FANUC America will introduce the details of FANUC’s next Advanced Automation Challenge 2.0. Awards will include a FANUC robot, a FANUC CNC Simulator, a Rockwell PLC/HMI package, FANUC simulation software, and technology from Cisco and Lincoln Electric, representing over $100,000 investment in STEM education programs.

FANUC CERT Advanced Automation Challenge 2.0

The FANUC Advanced Automation Challenge 2.0 invites all CERT schools to partner with local manufactures to learn about advanced manufacturing and automation systems. This challenge encourages students to work with manufacturers to design a solution or solve a problem using FANUC products or an integrated solution with technology from FANUC, Rockwell, Cisco or Lincoln Electric. Students will have the opportunity to test their STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills and critical thinking abilities.

Advanced Automation Challenge 2.0 at IMTS 2016

Students will interview a manufacturer to learn about their processes and consider potential opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge. Students will use their school’s robot, CNC, or advanced manufacturing technology to develop/design a workable solution and provide a demonstration.

The goal of this open-ended challenge is to change the perception of what todays advanced manufacturers looks like and introduce manufacturers to Tomorrow’s Innovators. This challenge will prepare them for exciting STEM career opportunities, develop their problem-solving skills, and introduce them to real-world advanced manufacturing applications.

“Manufacturers need a workforce that is prepared to work in the new, Smart Factories of Industry 4.0.,” said Aiello. “FANUC, together with Rockwell Automation, Cisco Systems, and Lincoln Electric, are committed to supporting education programs that serve the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry.”

Awards will include a FANUC Robot, a FANUC CNC Simulator, a Rockwell PLC/HMI package, FANUC Simulation software, and technology from Cisco and Lincoln, representing over $100,000 investment in STEM education programs. Submission deadline for the challenge is January 5, 2017, and winners will be announced February 15, 2017. To learn more, click here.

About FANUC America Corporation

FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan and provides industry-leading CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINEs. FANUC’s innovative technologies help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability. Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, FANUC America has facilities throughout North and South America. Learn more at www.fanucamerica.com or explore collaborative robots at crx.fanucamerica.com.

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