Hoffman Estates, IL. – The Omron Foundation, which is the charitable arm of global automation leader’s U.S.-based offices, collaborated with UM-Dearborn to build a state-of-the-art robotics and automation laboratory for its engineering students. The Omron Robotics and Human Factors Lab features Omron collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and other next-generation technologies that will help familiarize students with the types of automation solutions used today.
“Students will have the opportunity to work with the most advanced automation and robotics technology in the industry today,” said Robb Black, Omron Automation Americas CEO & COO. “By applying human factors principles, systems and devices can be designed to be safer, more intuitive, and more effective for people who work with them,” says Black. “Simply put, the Robotics and Human Factors Lab strives to make technology work better with humans.”
This sentiment was echoed by Alireza Mohammad, UM-Dearborn Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who is thrilled to have available “a host of new learning opportunities in the areas of robotic perception, motion control, path planning, and human-robot collaboration.”
In addition to the $1 million gift, the Omron Foundation donated $50,000 to establish the new Omron Endowed Undergraduate Student Scholarship, which supports UM-Dearborn College of Engineering and Computer Science students expressing an interest in electrification, autonomy, manufacturing, or artificial intelligence. The endowed scholarship investment is also eligible for a 50% match from the University of Michigan, allowing for an increased annual award capacity for students.
About Omron Foundation, Inc.
Founded in 1989, OMRON Foundation, Inc. (OFI) coordinates the charitable efforts of Omron offices in the U.S. to achieve the greatest positive social impact. The Foundation is funded by Omron's subsidiaries in the U.S., which contribute a portion of sales revenue to the Foundation. The Foundation divides its charitable resources among organizations benefiting education, people with disabilities, cultural programs, health, and other social concerns including disaster relief.
About Omron Automation
Omron Automation is an industrial automation partner that creates, sells and services fully integrated automation solutions that include sensing, control, safety, vision, motion, robotics and more. Established in 1933, Omron's 30,000 employees help businesses solve problems with creativity in more than 110 countries. Learn more at http://automation.omron.com.
For questions about OMRON Foundation, contact OMRON Foundation Director, Kevin Bulatek at kevin.bulatek@omron.com.