February 20, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University continues to cement its position as a trailblazer in advanced manufacturing education through its Center for Applied Robotics and Automation. Home to the largest collaborative robot (cobot) educational program in the United States, the CARA is partnering with Telamon Robotics and the STARTedUp Foundation to offer hands-on workshops centered on cobot technology. 

The partners are hosting Innovation Cobot Workshops for high school students and educators across Indiana, focusing on rural and underserved communities. 

CARA Director Kimberly Wright said, "The Innovation Cobot Workshops demonstrate VU's commitment to shaping Indiana's future workforce and driving economic growth. These workshops are about creating access and opportunity. By introducing students and educators to cutting-edge cobot technology, we are preparing them for in-demand careers in Industry 4.0 and empowering them to be leaders in an era when technology is constantly evolving."

These immersive workshops provide high schoolers with hands-on experiences at CARA locations on the Vincennes and VU Jasper campuses and Telamon Robotics in Carmel.

Eastern Hancock High School students and staff participated in a recent workshop.

Eastern Hancock Math and Business Teacher Cole Allen said, "Eastern Hancock is always looking to partner with companies and community leaders to help enlighten students about the opportunities that they could pursue after they graduate. By having the chance to be a part of this workshop, students not only got first-hand experience into what it's like to work with a cobot, but also the career paths they could pursue that they previously didn't know about."

During the one-day workshops, students interact directly with cobot technology and explore a variety of STEM career pathways in robotics, advanced manufacturing, and more. They also connect with industry partners and explore future career opportunities. In addition to benefiting students, the workshops empower educators like Allen to integrate AI and automation into their classrooms.

Telamon Robotics Vice President of Sales and Operations Paulo Dutra e Mello said, "Through our partnership with the STARTedUP Foundation and Vincennes University Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, we are providing high school students with hands-on experience in collaborative robotics, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly automated world. These workshops serve as an exciting introduction to real-world robotics applications."

By expanding access to advanced technology education, VU and its partners are shaping the next generation of innovators and ensuring a prosperous economic future for Indiana.

To learn more about the Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, visit vinu.edu/cara

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