Bridging the Manufacturing Skills Gap: Kettering University and Mitsubishi Electric Partner for Advanced Automation
The modern manufacturing sector faces a critical challenge: a growing shortage of skilled labor capable of designing and optimizing complex automation systems. To combat this “skills gap,” Kettering University has partnered with Mitsubishi Electric Automation and Patti Engineering to provide students with high-level, hands-on experience through a sophisticated manufacturing cell.
The Challenge: Preparing Students for Industry 4.0
As industries rapidly adopt advanced automation, the demand for engineers who can manage these systems has skyrocketed. Kettering University, known for its STEM focus and rigorous Co-op model, recognized that students need more than theoretical knowledge to be “job-ready.” According to Andy Watchhorn, a lecturer at the university, the goal is to provide students with access to state-of-the-art equipment that evolves alongside the industry.
The Solution: A Smart, Flexible Manufacturing Cell
To bridge the gap between the classroom and the factory floor, Kettering University implemented a programmable and flexible manufacturing cell. This initiative was made possible through a collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric Automation and Patti Engineering, a systems integrator founded by Kettering alumnus Sam Hoff.
The system is designed to mirror real-world manufacturing environments typical of automotive and industrial automation settings. By working with this technology, students gain practical experience in:
- Industrial Programming: Learning the logic and code used on modern factory floors.
- System Integration: Understanding how different hardware and software components communicate.
- Automation Workflows: Designing efficient paths for production and material handling.
Expanding Capabilities with the DENSO Foundation Grant
The university’s commitment to automation expanded further in early 2026. On February 5, 2026, Kettering University received a $155,000 grant from the DENSO North America Foundation to expand its industrial robotic cell.
Dr. Scott Grasman, who oversees engineering programs at Kettering, noted that this expansion allows students to move beyond isolated equipment. Instead, they now function with coordinated robotic systems, exposing them to the complexities of multiple robots operating in tandem. This expansion focuses on several critical modern manufacturing pillars:
- Data-Driven Automation: Utilizing data to improve system efficiency.
- Cybersecurity Awareness: Protecting industrial systems from digital threats.
- Human Oversight: Balancing automated precision with human reliability and transparency.
Key Takeaways: Impact on Future Engineers
- Job Readiness: Students enter the workforce with experience in coordinated robotic systems rather than just theory.
- Industry Alignment: The curriculum evolves in real-time based on the tools provided by industry leaders like Mitsubishi Electric.
- Applied Problem Solving: The complexity of the expanded cell forces students to engage in hands-on, practical troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the primary partners in the creation of the manufacturing cell?
The system was developed through a collaboration between Kettering University, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, and Patti Engineering.
What is the purpose of the DENSO Foundation grant?
The $155,000 grant is used to expand the existing industrial robotic cell, allowing students to learn about coordinated robotic systems, system reliability, and cybersecurity in a manufacturing context.
How does this project benefit the broader manufacturing industry?
By equipping graduates with practical skills in advanced robotics and automation, the program helps reduce the skilled labor shortage currently affecting the manufacturing sector.
Looking Ahead
The evolution of the robotic cell at Kettering University reflects the rapid pace of industrial change. As automation becomes more integrated and data-driven, the partnership between academia and industry leaders ensures that the next generation of engineers is prepared for the complexities of the modern factory floor.