Robotics Lab Unveiling

Supplied by Sault MPP David Orazietti… Sault Ste. Marie – Today, David Orazietti, MPP, was joined by Sault College President Dr. Ron Common, faculty, staff and students at the unveiling of the expanded Robotics Lab at Sault College.

“Our government supports innovative college programming that contributes to the development of highly qualified individuals in new technologies which is vital to our local economic growth,” said Orazietti.  “This lab will make robotics technology training available to local industry and attract new students to our community.”

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) provided $310,275 to Sault College to purchase, integrate and install additional industrial robots and auxiliary equipment for their robotics lab, creating an ideal environment that facilitates full scale industry research and effective hands-on learning.

The new Robotics Lab will provide robotics training to industry personnel in Sault Ste. Marie; expand its engagement in industry-led applied research projects relating to automation and advanced manufacturing; and will lead to the development of a talent pool of highly qualified personnel.

“The investment made to our organization speaks to the recognition of the importance of innovation and embraces the opportunities before us as we enter a new era of accelerating change in manufacturing – one involving robotics and other advanced technologies that pose unprecedented demands on skills training,” said Dr. Ron Common, President, Sault College. “As part of our strategy to proactively provide the best-trained highly qualified personnel with matched skills for industry, the Robotics labs on campus will assist our community in providing a locally-grown talent pool that will promote a strong and innovative manufacturing base in our region. In this way, it will bring great advantages to the economic sector of the community and will help grow our region. We are grateful to the many funders who have made this robotics installation possible.”

Supporting post-secondary education and skills training is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.