Major tech companies supporting Purdue Polytechnic Institute

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s Smart Manufacturing program is receiving support from some major tech companies in a university-industry collaboration. Distinguished Professor Gary Bertoline says the collaboration is a first-of-its-kind Smart Manufacturing undergraduate program in North America, and is designed to prepare engineering technology graduates to lead a transformation of the manufacturing industry.

Microsoft, Rockwell Automation, PTC, and several other companies, along with the International Society of Automation and the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute, are involved in the program.

Bertoline says the new initiative deals with the Bachelor of Science degree within the accredited manufacturing engineering tech program that addresses maximizing benefits through data-driven products, processes and services and the use of IoT, data, AI and machine learning.

“This collaboration allows for us to work with our manufacturing partners to support Purdue’s vision of bridging the worlds of advanced technology and more traditional engineering disciplines, offering a new approach to learning,” said Anthony Salcito, global vice president of education at Microsoft.

Rockwell Automation Senior Vice President Becky House says advanced manufacturing is increasing demand for a new type of manufacturing skillset.

“To meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce, collaborations between business and academia such as Purdue’s Smart Manufacturing program will enable us to build a diverse pipeline of critical thinkers and problem solvers needed for careers that evolve as fast as technology itself. We applaud Purdue’s differentiated approach, which directly speaks to needs in the manufacturing industry.”