WACO, TX- The Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy (GWAMA) is excited to show off their new addition. GWAMA has added a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system as a new resource for students in the robotics academy. The system is a modular and flexible solution for educating and training students in the principles and technologies of computer integrated manufacturing.

The CIM system was partially paid for by a grant through the Caterpillar Foundation. It has several key components: an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), at least one automated workstation such as computerized numerical control (CNC) machining, a continuous-loop conveyor, a central management control station, a transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) communication network, and Open CIM software.

The addition comes at a great time as the robotics academy is changing programming to focus on manufacturing and goes hand-in-hand with the new state level program of study for robotics.

"The CIM system is indicative of industry level manufacturing from a machining, welding, and robotics standpoint. This is a state-of-the-art piece of machinery that shows students what they will find in an industrial setting today,” said Dr. Dale McCall, Dean of Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy. “It is extremely exciting to be able to provide this level of experience to our students which will fully prepare them to enter the workforce" 

To see photos from the ribbon cutting, please click here.