Advantech, University of Cincinnati partner to create e-Manufacturing Lab

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech and the University of Cincinnati have formed a partnership to create the Advantech e-Manufacturing Lab to promote research, development and educational programs for students and professionals.

By Plant Engineering Staff September 24, 2007

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech and the University of Cincinnati have formed a partnership to create the Advantech e-Manufacturing Lab to promote research, development and educational programs for students and professionals.
Advantech has provided the University of Cincinnati with equipment such as embedded automation controllers with flat panel monitors and USB I/O modules to monitor machines for changes and provide a predictive failure analysis. A lab station equipped with a touch panel computer was also provided for results to be posted and viewed on the Web.
At the grand opening of the lab, Ming-Chin Wu, President of Advantech’s Industrial Automation Group, said they looked forward to working with the students. “This e-manufacturing laboratory hits exactly our target market for customers to enhance productivity and reliability,” he said, adding, “Advantech is also a good corporate citizen.”
Carlo Montemagno, dean of the College of Engineering emphasized the importance of establishing a close relationship with industry. “Universities serve two functions:” said Montemagno, “first, to promote the advancement of science and technology, and second, to promote the application of that technology for economic prosperity.”
The Advantech e-Manufacturing Lab will be under the guidance of Professor Jay Lee, Ohio Eminent Scholar in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Nuclear Engineering (MINE).
One of Lee’s goals is to rejuvenate the manufacturing disciplines, which are perhaps not perceived as being very exciting these days. “Combining manufacturing and information technology makes us smarter,” Lee said. “The center is a focus of research that benefits education through our teaching with students learning by working on projects. With Industrial collaboration, what the students learn is then fed back into the first step: research.”