The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has installed new state-of-the-art robotics and automation equipment in its Advanced Manufacturing Lab, made possible through more than $5.7 Million in HIRED grant funds awarded by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and the Arkansas Department of Commerce last year.

“It was a transformative day at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith as our partners at SMC completed installation and training of two FAS-200 systems and three Cobot flex trainers that will provide students with new hands-on learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing,” said Dr. Latisha Settlage, dean of the College of Business and Industry “We’re proud to invest in the future of workforce and manufacturing to support the River Valley.”

The latest additions include two FAS-200 automated assembly systems and three ABB Cobot FlexTrainers, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students enrolled in UAFS’s advanced manufacturing and engineering technology programs. "The FAS-200 system includes 12 separate carts that are connected to demonstrate an automated and integrated assembly system much like you would encounter in a manufacturing setting,” explained Settlage. “The system allows students to see the application and integration of electronics, robotics, PLCs, and more. Each cart can be separated from the system to further teach the specific and detailed operations of that particular station in the process.”

Together, the FAS and ABB systems simulate real-world industrial processes and provide comprehensive training in robotics, electronics, programmable logic controllers, and systems integration. Additional equipment upgrades received this month will allow hands-on training in the areas of additive manufacturing, materials testing, process flow, and quality assurance.

This equipment is among the university’s first major installations  made possible by HIRED grant funding.

“Something extraordinary is always happening at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, but today marks a particularly exciting milestone,” said Dr. Shadow Robinson, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This milestone in support of our Advanced Manufacturing programs is another marker of our commitment to deliver on our mission to support the social mobility of our students and to power the economic growth of the River Valley.”

The program’s next installation will include two RTS-200 robotics training systems, further advancing UAFS’s efforts to provide industry-relevant education aligned with regional workforce demands.

The final system install will bring true Industry 4.0 technologies—such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and augmented reality—to the UAFS Advanced Manufacturing lab, offering students immersive training with the latest innovations in smart manufacturing.

For more information about the HIRED grants that made these investments possible, visit https://uafs.edu/news/2024/adhe-hired-grant.php, and https://uafs.edu/news/2024/24-workforcegrant.php