Motoman and University of Dayton Establish Lab for Advanced Robotics Research, Learning

DAYTON, Ohio — Motoman Inc., an industry-leading provider of robots and complete robotic systems, is helping to establish the Motoman Robotics Laboratory at the University of Dayton School of Engineering.

As part of this long-term commitment, Motoman is furnishing $371,000 worth of state-of-the-art robots, including a revolutionary seven-axis, actuator-driven IA20 robot; a revolutionary 15-axis, actuator-driven and human-like dual-arm DIA10 robot; a four-axis YS450 high-speed SCARA robot; two six-axis HP3 articulated robots and one HP3C six-axis, articulated robot with a compact controller.

“Motoman is certain that this investment into the School of Engineering will generate great returns for Motoman, both in a ready source for research and development and in a ready source for highly educated and skilled future employees to facilitate Motoman’s future growth and prosperity,” says Craig Jennings, Motoman’s president.

As part of the School of Engineering's electrical and computer engineering department, the Motoman Robotics Laboratory will be located in approximately 800 square feet of space in the Kettering Labs being renovated to accommodate six robot stations. The new laboratory will allow hands-on research work and provide classroom space for lectures.

In addition, the University of Dayton has granted Motoman a $150,000 Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Credit that will allow the company access to first-class robotics research and project opportunities. The new robotics laboratory is expected to be in operation in time for the start of the 2008-09 academic year.

“Creation of the Motoman Robotics Laboratory is an exciting partnership opportunity for the University of Dayton, the School of Engineering and, most of all, our students,” said Joseph E. Saliba, dean of the School of Engineering. “The Motoman Laboratory will help the University conduct advanced research and prepare students for careers as world-class leaders in robotics.” According to Saliba, the new laboratory will enable the University to conduct more research into cutting-edge technologies and products and speed the commercialization of these innovations into the marketplace.

Motoman provides robots and complete robotic automation for virtually every application and industry. Founded in 1989, Motoman has continually gained market share and is now one of the largest robotic solution providers in North and South America with more than 28,000 robotic installations. Motoman’s parent, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, is the world’s leading robot manufacturer with an installed base of nearly 200,000 robots. For more information on Motoman products and services, visit the corporate web site at www.motoman.com.

The University of Dayton is Ohio’s largest private university and a top-tier national university with sponsored research totaling nearly $76 million annually. One of the top- 10 Catholic universities in the U.S., UD emphasizes transformative education and prepares more than 10,000 students, including 6,800 undergraduates, for leadership and service in their communities in the Marianist tradition. Visit it online at www.udayton.edu.