Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne recently received four robotic arms and controllers from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, which were valued at $40,000. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is one of the world’s leading developers, manufacturers and suppliers of precision seals, bearings and custom-molded polymer components. The Fort Wayne facility specializes in the production of Slipper Seals, other advanced plastics and rubber materials. The donated robots will be used primarily by Ivy Tech students in the Engineering and Advanced Automation and Technology (AART) programs.
“One of Trelleborg’s global initiatives for sustainability is social engagement and employees are strongly encouraged to support their local communities, especially educational institutions,” said Steve O’Shaughnessey, testing & technology center manager at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. “While reviewing our list of surplus equipment in late 2021, we discovered four robots that, while several years old, had plenty of useful life left in them. I reached out to Cait Cramer and Bob Parker at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne to see if they could put them to use. After a few emails and a site visit, it was determined that the robots would make a great addition to a lab in the Technology Center. I look forward to visiting the North Campus in the future to see the robots in action and also continuing to support our local community college ‘gem,’ Ivy Tech.”
In a manufacturing facility these collaborative robot arms (also called cobots) are meant to be used alongside workers. Cobots are used in areas like assembly, dispensing, finishing, machine tending, material handling, material removal, quality inspection, welding, and more. Students in Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s Engineering program will be using them as student projects—initially working on installing and programming them. AART students will now have the ability to train and learn both the FANUC and UR5 Robotic systems as they program, troubleshoot, and integrate these robots with other automation components.
“We’re thankful for this generous gift from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions,” said Tracina Smith, executive director, Ivy Tech Foundation. “These robots will give our students hands-on experience with equipment that comes right from the workplace. Experience working on actual facility equipment is what sets Ivy Tech students apart and prepares them for a successful career after graduation.”
Learn more about Ivy Tech’s Engineering programs at IvyTech.edu/engineering or Industrial Technology program at IvyTech.edu/industrial-technology
Learn more about Trelleborg Sealing Solutions at Trelleborg.com/seals.
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