YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University is partnering with Ann Arbor company Coherix to launch a new program within EMU’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.
The partnership aims to create “factory-of-the-future” manufacturing technology using a $385,000 grant from Coherix, allowing more than 70 mechanical engineering students to work with leading technology for three years. Both graduate and undergraduate students will be eligible to participate.
“There has been a big increase in demand for using robots to dispense industrial adhesives,” said Emad Tanbour, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Eastern. “Vision technology enables the dispensing process to be more accurate and precise. So, this is a one-of-a-kind program. Our students will study the impact of artificial intelligence technology when dispensing adhesives with robotics.”
Tanbour developed the program's curriculum. The initiative will allow students to gain hands-on experience with artificial intelligence detecting computer vision and virtual reality. The on-campus research facility, also donated by Coherix, will center on adhesive-dispensing technology in automotive development, medical devices, and consumer electronics.
Mohamad Qatu, dean of Eastern's GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, underlined the program's significance in equipping students with expertise in various industries.
"The program will provide our students with experience in the programming and use of industrial robots to dispense adhesives and sealants in the manufacture of cars, medical devices and consumer electronics – technology that could save billions of dollars in manufacturing costs," said Qatu.
In a news release, Dwight Carlson, chairman and chief executive officer of Coherix, commented on the importance of keeping Michigan engineers current on industry development.
“We are looking forward to partnering with Eastern Michigan University,” Carlson said. “We need to accelerate the process of getting young engineers into the factory of the future, and that’s something we’re trying to solve with computer vision and adaptive process control. Even right now, I estimate there’s a need for around 200 dispensing system engineers just here in Southeast Michigan alone.”
All students currently enrolled in the Coherix program are Michigan residents aiming to pursue work for engineering companies in-state.
For more information on the program, visit www.coherix.com .
About Coherix
Coherix creates adaptive process-control systems for the autonomous application of adhesives using 3D laser-based sensors that see, understand and proactively correct adhesive applications to minimize error, maximize performance and reduce cost. The company's 3D computer-vision technology provides "eyes" with depth perception for robots that allow customers to manage complex manufacturing processes. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company operates in China, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Singapore. More information is available at www.coherix.com
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About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings
and points of pride
websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website
. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today
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