Tesla, OMRON, and Others Offer Students and Engineers Tools to Develop Advanced Automation and Manufacturing Training
Tesla, Omron, and Endress+Hauser are developing experiences and training classes to provide hands-on automation and manufacturing training to engineers and students.
Market-leaders in automation and engineering, Endress+Hauser AG (E+H), the International Society of Automation (ISA), Tesla Inc. (Tesla), and Omron Automation Americas (Omron), are bringing forward educational resources in the form of courses and specialized learning facilities.
Engineers collaborating in a training course. Image used courtesy of ISA
These resources will provide students and industry employees with the skills needed to operate and maintain cutting-edge automation technology for smart factories of the future.
E+H and ISA Offer Extended Training Services
E+H is a global manufacturer and supplier of measuring instruments and automation solutions for the industrial process engineering industry. The company’s process solutions encompass temperature, flow, pressure, level, analysis, temperature, recording, and digital communications.
Recently, E+H announced a collaboration with a non-profit professional association for leaders in industrial automation, the International Society of Automation (ISA). Together, the ISA and E+H will be developing the workforce of future industrial automation and control professionals by combining the former organization’s training services with E+H’s own instrumentation training courses.
E+H’s courses are offered at its 11 U.S.-based process training units (PTUs). The units provide a space for employees to ghetto grips with the configurations, operations, diagnostics, and troubleshooting present in real-world process plants.
The ISA will be adding to the PTU experience with its expertise in controls, valves, drives, and more. From 2022, the ISA and E+H will also make another training tool available. The co-developed online assessment tool allows an organization to assess gaps in knowledge concerning employees and highlights their strengths.
Omron’s Latest Proof-of-Concept Center
Omron announced the opening of its new proof-of-concept center (PoCC) near the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport in Dallas County, Texas. The new center stands among nine PoCCs from Omron, which serve as spaces for customers to experience and test factory automation technology before implementation.
In a news release provided by Omron, President, and CEO Robb Black, commented, "Today's manufacturers face many challenges, including a rapidly changing environment which requires agility and flexibility. We understand that existing production set-ups are complicated, and changing them can be a huge investment.”
An engineer working with an OMRON robot. Image used courtesy of OMRON
Black added, "The Omron PoCC in Dallas/Fort Worth bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing peace of mind that the solution will work in new and existing applications."
PoCC participants can benefit from hands-on technology demos, technical training, industry or application expertise, and various advanced robotics and automation studies. Engineers, customers, and integrators can come together and create new automated manufacturing solutions that can be optimized for use in real-world situations.
Tesla, ACC Unveils START Manufacturing Training Facilities
Together, Austin Community College District and Tesla have launched a 14-week intensive training program, the Tesla START manufacturing program. The newly unveiled facilities at ACC Riverside Campus will allow students to engage in the program.
Students chosen for the program are paid and may be offered full-time positions with Tesla at its completion. Specialized labs at the Riverside Campus will be used to explore robotics and control systems and design, build, and maintain cutting-edge machinery.
A photo of the START manufacturing program. Image used courtesy of ACC
Chancellor Richard Rhodes from ACC, Tesla representatives, and Austin Mayor Steve Adler were present at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on November 19. Omron, Tesla, E+H, ISA, and ACC are collectively pushing forward with initiatives centering on workforce development tailored toward the future of smart manufacturing.
