Search for: All records

In this paper, we present the results of the evaluation conducted for six train-the-trainer workshops on intelligent industrial robotics that were organized over three years from 2021 to 2023. The workshops targeted STEM faculty of community and technical colleges and high schools. The workshops included factory tours, industry speakers, and hands-on activities on industrial robots and vision system programming. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the workshops was measured using surveys at the end of the workshops, as well as pre-and post-intervention assessments. A six-month follow-up survey was conducted to assess the impact of the workshops on students. Results show that most participants reported that their knowledge of intelligent industrial robotics increased and that the knowledge gained from the workshops is applicable to their work. In addition to that, statistical calculations show that 3,572 ± 1,286  students were impacted by the workshops six months after the workshop completion with a confidence level of 90%. 

Mechatronics for Technologists and Technicians was recognized as an occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2019 and was given the code 49-2094.00. In 2022 the occupation was migrated to the code 17-3024.00 and titled "Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians". Several organizations offer certifications in the mechatronics occupation that we list here. The major challenge that faces mechatronics education is the decline in the job market that is projected to stand at -2 % over the next decade for holders of bachelor’s or lower degrees. This is attributed to the post-pandemic remote work trend and the hard-hit manufacturing industry during the pandemic. This decline is coupled with an aggressive growth in the job market for holders of graduate degrees (standing at over 11% growth) due to the growing demand in research and innovation and engineering training. 

In this work we investigate the effectiveness of two train-the-trainer workshops on intelligent industrial robotics. The two workshops, which took place in summer 2021 in Tennessee and Alabama, were the first of a series of six workshops. A total of 32 persons applied to the two summer workshops from 10 states, of whom 15 attended and successfully completed the workshops. Evaluation results show that the participants’ knowledge on industrial robotics significantly improved after the workshops, and the vast majority indicated that the training will be used in their home institutions. The major challenge faced during the workshops was the spread of the delta variant of CoVid-19 at the time the workshops were scheduled to take place, and the wide diversity of the educational background of participants.