Hands-on learning
Mohawk Opens $3 million FANUC Robotics Lab
Hamilton, ON (Sept. 14, 2017) – More than 300 students will train each year on the next generation of industrial robots at Mohawk College’s new FANUC Robotics Lab.
The $3 million lab at the Fennell campus features six FANUC robots, including two collaborative robots that work safely alongside people and do not require protective barriers. Mohawk is the first postsecondary education institution in Canada to have FANUC collaborative robots.
In addition to training on FANUC robots, students in the lab have access to the company’s simulation software. FANUC’s industrial training curriculum has also been integrated into three Mohawk Engineering Technology programs and two Mohawk-McMaster Bachelor of Technology programs.
Students have the opportunity to take the FANUC certification exam while in their programs. Students who pass the exam are qualified to program and operate the company’s robots. More than 450,000 FANUC robots are used worldwide by manufacturing and industrial companies.
The new FANUC Robotics Lab is part of the largest renewal of labs and classrooms in Mohawk’s 50-year history. The Government of Canada is supporting the renewal of Mohawk’s Engineering Technology labs and construction of the country’s largest net zero institutional building with a $20 million investment through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.
FANUC Canada is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, and provides industry-leading robotics, CNC systems, and factory automation. FANUC’s innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers in the Americas maximize efficiency, reliability and profitability.
Mohawk College educates and serves 30,000 full-time, part-time and apprenticeship students at three campuses in Hamilton, Ontario. Mohawk has ranked first in student satisfaction among colleges in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area for seven consecutive years and is among the top 15 colleges in Canada for applied research activity.
“This investment will enable Mohawk College to provide students with essential skills and training in robotics, which is an area for economic growth. Hamilton is an ambitious, livable city that is attractive to tech people who want a high quality of life. I am proud that our Liberal government is investing in Hamilton’s middle class jobs of the future in robotics."
Now more than ever, manufacturers use automation to maximize their productivity. FANUC’s CERT program and partnership with Mohawk College and Progressive Educational Systems, provides students access to a STEM-based curriculum centered on robotics and automation training, preparing Mohawk graduates for the high-tech careers in advanced manufacturing in demand today.”
“Building and strengthening partnerships is a strategic priority for Mohawk. Our college’s partnership with FANUC creates unique opportunities for Engineering Technology students to graduate with the skills, experience and credentials that are highly sought by leading manufacturing and industrial companies.”
CONTACTS:
Jay Robb, Mohawk College Director of Communications, jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca, 905.979.8893
Tanya Proietti, FANUC Canada – Sr. Marketing Analyst, tanya.proietti@fanuccanada.com, 905.812.2333
Mohawk College educates and serves more than 29,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at three main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario and learning hubs across Hamilton through City School by Mohawk, and at the College’s Centre for Aviation Technology at the Hamilton International Airport. Mohawk is among the top five colleges for applied research in Canada. It has been named one of Canada’s greenest employers seven years in a row, holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements and is home to the country’s largest and first institutional building to receive dual certification for Zero Carbon Building Framework design and performance for The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation. More than 135,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.