Clemson University and Omron Automation cut ribbon on new automation lab

Clemson University and Omron Automation celebrated the opening of the Automation, Robotics, and Cyber (ARC) Laboratory in Riggs Hall with a Sept. 24 ribbon cutting.

Located on the second floor of Riggs Hall, the lab is equipped with state-of-the-art industrial hardware and software donated by Omron Automation and Omron Foundation.

Students will use the same systems driving innovation across manufacturing facilities globally. From semiconductor fabrication sites, to automotive assembly plants and pharmaceutical environments, the technology in this lab represents the cutting edge of holistic industrial control. The ARC lab gives Clemson students direct experience to apply classroom lessons in automating industrial processes and in hardware–software co-design.

While the lab will initially support a Creative Inquiry course in the fall, it is slated for future integration into Clemson’s electrical and computer engineering curriculum beginning at the sophomore level.

By embedding this lab in both teaching and research, Clemson is positioning future engineers to succeed in careers at all levels of industry. Careers that are leveraging process data in newly connected ways at an unprecedented scale.

The lab focuses on the connection between the digital and the physical, linking the tactile nature of industrial automation with the decision augmenting capabilities of artificial intelligence. All while providing a platform for testing bold ideas that foster the growth of future problem solvers.

For Omron Automation, the lab represents an investment in the next generation of scientists and engineers, and for Clemson, it underscores the value of industry–university collaboration in preparing students for fulfilling careers.

“This collaboration is about preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Robb Black, CEO of Omron Automation Americas. “Our industry depends on talented graduates who can walk into a facility on day one and understand the systems that keep production moving. By investing in Clemson, we are building that pipeline of talent. Together, we are helping ensure students graduate ready to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0.”

Hassan Raza, principal lecturer of electrical and computer engineering, played a pivotal role as Clemson’s lead in building this lab. Thomas Kuckhoff, senior product manager and Clemson alumni, played a complementary role at Omron. By working together Hassan and Thomas ensured the equipment in the lab creates a foundation for long-term student success.

Helping celebrate the lab’s opening was Robert Jones, who is vice president for academic affairs and provost at Clemson.

“This new lab is Clemson Elevate in action,” he said. “It reflects our commitment to creating the nation’s No. 1 student experience through experiential learning, and it shows how university–industry partnerships give students the edge they need to lead in a rapidly changing world. Students will leave here with the confidence and skills that come only from working with the same tools used by professionals across the globe. We are deeply grateful to Omron for their support and proud to see this partnership come to life on our campus.”

In addition, to help students along their educational journey Omron Foundation established the “Omron Automation Scholarship Endowment” which provides annual scholarships for engineering students.

Also on hand for the ribbon cutting was Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences as well as JoVanna King, senior associate vice president for development and Hai Xiao, chair of the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Gramopadhye welcomed the addition of this technology into the curriculum.

“This lab represents a milestone for Clemson,” he said. “Automation is reshaping industries worldwide– manufacturing, chip fabrication, healthcare, energy production, and advanced materials, to name a few. Industrial robotics are key to that transformation, and the lab ensures that Clemson students will have access to the same state-of-the-art systems used in industry today.”