A.W. Beattie to purchase robot
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A.W. Beattie Career Center in McCandless will receive $43,953 as one of six Western Pennsylvania career centers to share in a series of competitive grants from the state Department of Education.
Sandra Niggel, supervisor of career and technical education, said the school plans on purchasing an NAO Humanoid Robot.
"The robot will be utilized for joint projects with the Advanced Computer Programming students, Agile Robotics students and Health Science and Human Services clusters to enhance industry skill sets in the use and application of robotics in the fields," Mrs. Niggel said.
According to the terms of the grant, funding must be matched by Beattie for the purchase of equipment that meets industry standards.
In addition, the school will be purchasing a FANUC robotic arm that is used in manufacturing and industrial operations in the region, she added, noting that robotics instructor Randy Bish will receive instructor certification and will be able to offer FANUC certification to the students. FANUC manufactures industrial robots.
The purpose of the equipment grant is to ensure students are familiar with the equipment they will encounter in the workplace.
Mrs. Niggel said that Beattie also has plans to purchase a CNC machine to provide additional authentic skills in the manufacturing process.
Students will design a prototype using 3-D printers and the CNC machine, she said.
"These efforts will prepare them for job opportunities in the region's advanced manufacturing and human services sectors," Mrs. Niggel said.
First Published January 31, 2013 5:26 am
