Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology awarded funding through US Air Force contract

Ohio University has been awarded $2.25 million in funding through its contract with the US Air Force, set up by defense contractor ARCTOS Technology Solutions. The funding granted via the contract is for Ohio University to promote STEM education within its school and at Ohio high schools. 

According to an article on Ohio University’s website, the partnership came about when Dr. Zaki Kuruppalil, who is the chair of the Department of Engineering Technology and Management as well as a professor, and Dr. Paul Deering, also a professor within the department, formed a relationship with ARCTOS during a series of summer programs about robotics and technology training for educators beginning in the summer of 2021. Drs. Kuruppalil and Deering, along with Dr. Todd Myers, wrote a proposal about how they could improve upon this program and how it could benefit Ohio University, including an updated STEM curriculum and upgraded equipment for the Department of Engineering Technology and Management. ARCTOS accepted the proposal following the availability of more funding through the US Department of Defense.

Dr. Deering said, “This initiative is particularly for southeast Ohio and will benefit the community. It will give a new dimension to what we offer at Ohio University and in southeast Ohio.”

Dr. Kuruppalil echoed these sentiments, saying, “We are taking this to the next level of what the industry wants.”

The benefits of the funding will be far-reaching, allowing Ohio University to install new laboratory equipment on several of its campuses, create two new labs, enhance STEM curriculum, create a new automation and mechatronics program, and implement “train the trainer” programs. All of these additions will support students in gaining the credentials and skills they need to enter a competitive workforce, according to Dr. Kuruppalil: “Students will also have the opportunity to earn FANUC and Allen-Bradley credentials using the new equipment. Students with automation, robotics, integration and mechatronics skills are in high demand with manufacturing reshoring to the United States,” he said.

The equipment is all expected to be installed on campus by the time the Fall 2024 semester begins. The equipment includes FANUCindustrial-scale robots, Allen-Bradley programmable logical controller kits, conveyors, and accessories.

For more information about Ohio University, visit the school’s website.