It is the first of three collaborative robotics, also known as cobots, labs statewide that will serve Hoosiers. A ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 9, officially marked the opening of the futuristic facility in Lebanon.

In addition to driving innovation, the groundbreaking lab will train the next generation workforce in an emerging technology that meets 21st century needs. Cobots are smaller industrial robots designed to safely interact with humans in a shared workspace. Cobots can be additional support for workers, giving them an extra set of hands in the shared workspace. Their use can increase safety, production, and efficiency. It is possible to move them around and set them up to work in a different way.

The celebratory occasion included VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, Executive Chairman of Telamon Corporation Albert Chen, City of Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry, VU Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs Tony Hahn, and VU Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Services.

According to Johnson, “We are so excited to welcome individuals into the new Cobot Learning Lab in Lebanon. Vincennes University is proud that we are partnering with Telamon Robotics, and together we are moving Indiana forward in a bold way. VU has carved out a niche in Indiana and regionally as the high-quality provider of education, training, and workforce development, particularly in key emerging and innovative technologies where highly-skilled and trained talent is needed. We are constantly developing education and training to meet the demands of a modern workplace.”

The new collaborative robotics labs are possible through the Lilly Endowment Inc. Charting the Future for Indiana’s Colleges and Universities grant funding. VU’s $8 million "Developing a Workforce Ecosystem for Industry 4.0 in Indiana" grant melds innovative solutions and technology to accelerate key technical skills in the state’s advanced manufacturing and logistics workforce. 

VU is building a pipeline of talent for Industry 4.0 in Indiana with labs at Lebanon, VU Jasper, and the Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, which will serve as a cobot hub on the Vincennes Campus. Cobot learning labs will also be deployed in career centers throughout the state.

Industry 4.0 is the combination of traditional manufacturing and industrial platforms and practices with the latest smart technology. The training lab will allow VU to provide students and employers with demonstrations, workshops, and access to new technologies, applications, and models. It allows employers to also explore how cobots can be deployed in their plants and facilities.

Always at the forefront of workforce development opportunities in current and emerging sectors, VU continues to demonstrate a commitment to developing an educated workforce and helping students, businesses, and industries thrive.

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