Motlow State President Dr. Michael Torrence cuts the ribbon Friday morning at the grand opening of the College’s new Automation & Robotics Training Center in McMinnville. A crowd of over 200, including industry leaders, McMinnville, Warren County and state representatives, and Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Dr. Flora Tydings (left of Torrence), joined in the festivities. An open house for the public will be held May 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The grand opening was an invitation-only event for business and industry leaders. An open house will be held May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the public to get a first-hand look at the ARTC. The 12,500-square-feet facility is located on 4.5 acres of land, donated by the Warren County Commission, adjacent to the Motlow State and Tennessee College of Applied Technology campus.
According to Terri Bryson, Vice President of Workforce Innovation, the umbrella division of the College’s short-term robotics training program, “At the ARTC our short-term objective is to provide a highly skilled work force that is second-to-none in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing systems. This will attract new and expanding businesses into our region. Ultimately, our long-term mission is to create new employment opportunities for our students by literally growing the number and quality of jobs available to them.”
The ARTC is unique in the fact that it houses robots and training equipment from the top three international robot manufacturers. There are currently more than 7,000 robots in operation within a 70-mile radius of the ARTC.
The new facility opened with six teaching laboratories. In addition, the ARTC offers automation training, including digital systems, sensors, electronics, hydraulics, programming and alarm management. Robotic training can be realized through two distinctive pathways: training for industry and job seekers, and instruction for college credit.
Dr. Michael Torrence, Motlow president, continues to reach out to industry and community partners to keep the program growing. “The ARTC’s launch was funded through a Drive to 55 grant,” said Torrence.
Robotics degrees and robotics industry-recognized training credentials will fuel workforce development for industry, meet existing demand for workers, create new high-wage, high-demand jobs in robotics and automation, expand the tax base for the region, and help Tennessee reach its “Drive to 55” education goals.
Initial corporate industry credentialing and certification opportunities begins at the ARTC in early May. Beginning in fall 2019, students will be able to take courses leading to a Mechatronics degree with a concentration in Robotics. For additional information on the ARTC, visit RoboticsTraining.com.
