Center for Applied Robotics and Automation

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CARA Introduction

In March of 2021 V.U. was awarded an 8 million dollar grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the competitive Phase 3 of its initiative, Charting the Future of Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. The grant will help VU build a talent pipeline for new technologies in advanced automation and collaborative robots. The Center for Applied Robotics and Automation collaborates with the University’s partners, Telamon Corporation and Techman Robots. The center will provide training in automation and robotics, focusing on integration for manufacturing and logistics applications to develop a robust technical workforce ecosystem in Indiana. It serves as a training lab and hub for developing curricula and automation-related credentials throughout the state. Training labs are currently in Vincennes, Jasper, and Lebanon.

The center’s mission also includes helping VU expand its ongoing efforts to develop and promote robotics and automation education and training to K-12 students. It supports endeavors to reach students by engaging them in STEM-focused programming, building on existing partnerships with CTE educators throughout the state, deploying collaborative robots to various Early College Career Centers, and continuing VU’s collaboration with Purdue’s Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC). The center also trains industry partners who plan to integrate new automation processes into their facilities.

Vincennes University's Center for Applied Robotics & Automation is committed to empowering Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics workforce with leading-edge, advanced knowledge in robotic and automation systems integration and intelligent technologies. We provide customized hands-on training, collaborative educational outreach programs, and an environment for learning new technologies to support our industry partners in improving productivity and efficiency while reducing costs.

 


 

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A group photo of Robotics Scrimmage participants including high school students, high school coaches, VU students, VU faculty and VU staff.
A female conducts cobot training as 3 men look on.
Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary School students and staff, VU leaders, and Purdue IN-MaC leaders cut a blue ribbon to commemorate the new Design and Innovation Studio at Tecumseh-Harrison school.
Kimberly Wright looks at the camera smiling in the CARA on the Vincennes Campus. There is a cobot in the background of the photo.
A group of CTE instructors surround CARA Director Paulo Dutra e Mello near a cobot at the Gene Haas Training and Education Center
VU College of Technology faculty programming collaborative robots in the Center for Applied Robotics and Automation on the Vincennes Campus.
Representatives of Polygon Composites Technology participate in cobot training at Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon.
Four collaborative robots or cobots

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Kimberly Wright, Director

By Phone: 812-698-1894
By E-mail: kwright@vinu.edu
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By Mail: College of Technology Building
Central Office: 2nd Floor, Room A231
1300 Chestnut Street
Vincennes, IN 47591

Wright possesses a passion for VU. Since 2001, she has held a variety of roles with the University. Wright has been involved in numerous workforce development initiatives relating to upskilling and training workers, developing curriculum and partnerships, and managing teams and projects of all sizes.

Previously, Wright contributed to VU’s launch of the first Amazon Mechatronics and Robotics apprenticeship program in the nation as the program's manager. Since 2020, the program has trained more than 400 apprentices from diverse backgrounds to work as technicians across the United States. Wright is a well-respected former faculty member of the College of Technology. She taught computer-integrated manufacturing robotics and electronics. Wright also held program coordinator and assessment positions. Additionally, she directed a Project Lead the Way initiative offering innovative learning experiences for five local high schools. She also coordinated the Early College Program at Vincennes Lincoln High School.

She holds two VU degrees, an associate degree in Robotics and a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management. Wright earned a master’s degree in Adult Education and Executive Development from Ball State University.