On RAMP: The ARM Institute Robotics Manufacturing Hub and Innovation Accelerators

The Robotics Manufacturing Hub helps small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region:

Evaluate their operations Explore if robotics will improve productivity Prototype solutions without a commitment to installation Select solutions that offer the highest return on investment Understand how robotics can augment workforce gaps Manage the impact of robotics on their workforce

The Robotics Manufacturing Hub leverages the ARM Institute’s Mill 19 facility in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood to prototype solutions and demonstrate proofs-of-concept at no-cost for small and medium sized manufacturers.

ARM's Tasha Miller gives us more details on how the hub is a robotics "petting zoo" for manufacturers to get to know more about robotics and how they can help their operations, growth and bottom line.

Also through the Southwestern Pennsylvania Region’s Build Back Better Challenge grant, the ARM Institute is managing and has awarded $6M in funding to four regional Innovation Accelerators, formerly called Makerspaces. These are:

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) – CCAC’s Entrepreneurial Labs and Makerspace The Digital Foundry at New Kensington (DFNK) – Penn State New Kensington IUP STEAMSHOP – Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) MAKERSPACE District – Westmoreland County Community College

This funding helps to build upon existing capabilities within the Innovation Accelerators, enhance their equipment and offerings, and make their services more readily available. The services offered through each Accelerator are unique. Through the grant, the ARM Institute will advise the Innovation Accelerators and help to expand the scope of their services to benefit small and medium-sized manufacturers and manufacturing entrepreneurs.

Learn more at: https://arminstitute.org/our-work/swpa-bbb/.