FANUC America provides OU with nearly $500,000 in robotics equipment

A group of FANUC America representatives tour Oakland University's new engineering building.

A generous gift from a leading supplier of robotics automation will provide Oakland University students with cutting-edge technology in the fields of robotics and advanced manufacturing.

FANUC America Corporation recently presented Oakland with a gift-in-kind donation of robots, software and 2D iRVision equipment representing an industry value of $474,398. The gift promises to enhance the university's academic offerings and boost its impact on the regional economy.

“We are very excited to have state-of-art equipment to support our Robotics and Automation program labs,” said Louay Chamra, dean of OU’s School of Engineering and Computer Science.   “The donated equipment will be used to educate the next generation of engineers in order to provide the talent needed in industrial robotics and advanced manufacturing."

The gift will support development of an Industrial Robotics and Automation program within OU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, which will train engineers for high-demand jobs in the field. Many of those jobs are located in Metro Detroit as the area is home to world-class robotics and automation companies. Oakland's partnership with FANUC America – the largest manufacturer of industrial robotics in the world – is a “win-win” for industry and academia, according to Khalid Mirza, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of engineering at OU.

“Our School of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to building a strong and relevant program in Industrial Robotics and Automation. We have formed an advisory board so industries can directly provide us expertise and support for curriculum development, program development and strategic planning,” Dr. Mirza said. “We are proud to have FANUC America join the board and look forward to a successful and mutually beneficial relationship. The FANUC America headquarters in Rochester Hills is located right next to OU and gives us a unique opportunity to work closely with them.”

Mick Estes, general manager at FANUC America added, “FANUC America is excited to expand its long standing support of these programs and the opportunities they represent for the students at Oakland University. Working together and sharing industry-leading innovative technology is what will make the difference in narrowing the skills gap in manufacturing.”

Dedicated to helping manufacturers increase production through automation and innovation, FANUC America is the leading supplier of robotic automation in the Americas.

To learn more about programs and opportunities in OU's School of Engineering and Computer Science, visit the website at oakland.edu/secs or call (248) 370-2217.