Bosch Rexroth Provides Conveyors and Aluminum Structural Framing for New Automation Lab at Illinois State University
A Generous Grant From the Caterpillar Foundation Brings Industry Leading Automation Technology Into the Classroom, Including Rexroth VarioFlow Flexible Conveyors and Aluminum Structural Framing Workstations
NORMAL, IL--(Marketwire - August 10, 2007) -
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www.boschrexroth-us.com The Illinois State University Department of
Technology (ISU - www.tec.ilstu.edu ) recently selected Bosch Rexroth to
provide an industrial conveyor system and aluminum structural framing
components for the university's new Integrated Manufacturing Lab.
Named as the Caterpillar Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory (CAT-IML), the
advanced learning facility with robotic technology was made possible by a
$1.2 million gift from the Caterpillar Corporation.
The lab contains 10 integrated workstations that include industrial quality
robots, programmable logic controllers, Rexroth VarioFlow
conveyors, machine vision systems, a computer network, and pneumatic
material handling devices. The systems in the teaching laboratory give
students hands-on experience using the same types of manufacturing
equipment found in high-tech industrial settings.
Bosch Rexroth provided the aluminum structural framing
for each workstation, allowing students to build their own fixtures with
easy-to-assemble brackets and other components and accessories on the
slotted tabletop. The easy assembly also permits students to perform
configuration changes themselves so they can mount new components,
electronic sensors and other devices without the need for special tools or
training.
Additionally, two Rexroth VarioFlow flexible conveyors enable students to
integrate the individual workstations with one another for multi-step
assembly tasks. The modular chain conveyors form a backbone linking the
workstations.
"In nearly every assembly line we visited while conducting our research for
this project, we found Rexroth aluminum structural framing and conveyor
components being used to construct the workstations and assembly lines,"
said Technology Professor David Kennell. "Therefore, when it came time to
choose products for our lab we decided to go with Rexroth."
Much of the equipment in the CAT-IML was paid for with money from the
Caterpillar gift, but that equipment needed to be specially adapted for use
in the lab. Students and faculty members collaborated to design and build
the individual workstations for the integrated manufacturing systems, as
well as specialized parts for the programmable robots.
"The ISU lab presented a unique opportunity for Bosch Rexroth to help
provide students with hands-on manufacturing training using the best our
industry has to offer," said Rexroth's Tony Babich, who served as an
advisory board member to help the University design and build the lab.
"Industrial manufacturers demand professionals who can work with multiple
automation systems for mass production and small batch and custom orders.
Our products give students the ease of use and versatility to experience
just this type of environment."
Introductory classes use the equipment to learn the basic concepts of
robotics and integrated manufacturing, while upper level and graduate
students get hands-on experience in programming and operating the industry
standard integrated manufacturing equipment.
Contact Information: Illinois State University Media Contact Information:
Eric Jome
media relations coordinator
Telephone: (309) 438-5631
E-mail:
www.tec.ilstu.edu
Bosch Rexroth Media Contact Information:
Todd Walter
Godfrey Public Relations
Telephone: 717-393-3831
E-mail:
www.godfrey.com
- or -
Kevin Gingerich
Bosch Rexroth marketing director
Telephone: 269-697-5295
E-mail:
www.boschrexroth-us.com