Oakland University AR Center to Provide Workforce Training
A new augmented reality center (ARC) at Oakland University's School of Engineering and Computer Science will offer students hands-on experience in applying AR technology in the manufacturing field. The facility was a collaborative project with the College for Creative Studies as well as regional industry partners.
The center's founding partners — including ABB Inc., AM General, Continental, General Motors, Hirotec America, KUKA Robotics, Magna International, MAHLE Industries, Rave Computer, Siemens and US Military Ground Vehicle Systems — will serve on an Industrial Advisory Board along with Oakland University faculty, to offer insight into how ARC can implement programs for augmented reality research, training and workforce development.
"Advancing augmented reality will prepare companies in our region to be more competitive in the global marketplace and more successful in achieving goals that are part of the fourth industrial revolution," said Louay Chamra, dean of Oakland's School of Engineering and Computer Science, in a statement. "People often see STEM and industrial design as separate fields, but we create powerful opportunities when we bring these subjects together synergistically to improve efficiency and advance industry all around us."
The center is supported by Epic Games' Epic MegaGrants Program, which funds game developers, enterprise professionals, media and entertainment creators, students, educators and tool developers doing "outstanding work with Unreal Engine or enhancing open source capabilities for the 3D graphics community."
For more information about the ARC, visit the Oakland University site.
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Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].