FedEx Delivers Robotic Arm to eKAMI

Creating a Future of Innovation and Career Possibilities

To maintain the forward progress at eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI), FedEx and Yaskawa collaborated to place an HC10 (human collaborative) robotic arm at their facility. This 6-axis collaborative robot is designed for a wide variety of applications such as machine tending, material handling, assembly and packaging.

eKAMI’s current project is working to automate the manufacturing process of personal protective equipment (PPE).  However, their larger charter is developing an advanced manufacturing workforce training facility and curriculum to prepare laid-off coal miners for 21st century careers.

As FedEx adds more advanced automation to its facilities (robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and 3D vison), it’s critical to have appropriately trained personnel available to program, operate and maintain the new technologies.  The educational institutions that are ready to take on the robotic content of modern automation solutions are critical to the success of companies like Yaskawa and FedEx.

FedEx agreed to transport the robotic arm from Yaskawa’s facility in Ohio to eKAMI in KY, as a part of the company’s FedEx Cares “Delivering for Good” initiative, in which FedEx uses its global network and logistics expertise to help organizations with mission-critical needs in times of disaster and for special shipments.

FedEx is innovating some of its operations with robotics which will help deliver a more sustainable and innovative future. This shipment, and all parties involved, help eKAMI bridge the gap between training and education to new career possibilities for its students.

 

Photo Credit: Yaskawa