Kuka Canada Inc. and Humber College team up to bring cobots to the classroom

Kuka Canada Inc., and Humber college have entered into a five year partnership, bringing the latest robotics technology to Humber’s Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (CTI), working together on robotics systems integration applications in the manufacturing sector.

Humber will receive two state-of-the-art and Industry 4.0 ready collaborative robots as part of the partnership. These will complement the college’s extensive collection of robotic technology and will be housed within CTI, which specializes in bringing industry and education together.

“Our students and faculty will benefit from KUKA’s expertise while learning on the latest robotic technologies within the Barrett CTI,” said Chris Whitaker, president and CEO, Humber College. “This collaboration exemplifies how our polytechnic model of education connect faculty and students with industry to solve real-world business challenges through the latest technologies.”

Additionally, Kuka will help with curriculum development related to the robots and give students access to Kuka’s virtual reality and simulation technology that assists small-and medium-sized enterprises developing applications requiring vision or conveyor tracking technology.

From a practical perspective, Kuka will participate in applied research projects work with the college to develop education to employment pathways and recruitment opportunities for Humber students and graduates.

“KUKA knows that Industry 4.0 and digitization is a rapidly growing area, and we’re working towards a future in which humans and machines work together safely and efficiently,” said Ed Manera, Vice President of Sales for KUKA Canada Inc. “Partnering with Humber is an example of our progressive thinking and aggressive approach to innovation.

The agreement with Kuka comes a few months after a similar partnership with SEW-EURODRIVE, an Industry 4.0 company focused on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) as well as mobile worker assistants and connected automation equipment. The $4 million partnership brought EuroDrive to North America for the first time, specifically putting their Industry 4.0 lab to the test. It’s here where much of their with AGV’s is done.

“By collaborating with SEW-EURODRIVE, we are finding new ways to invest in our students and
strengthen Humber’s expertise in advanced manufacturing education and training,” said Dr. Whitaker. “This partnership reflects how in our polytechnic approach to education we are working closely with industry to engage students and faculty through emerging technologies.”

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