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An ARM Institute project focusing on virtual part repair programming for robotic thermal spray applications. | Source: ARM Institute

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute selected four more training programs to receive ARM endorsement. An ARM Endorsement recognizes the United States’ most effective training programs for robotics careers in manufacturing. 

The programs added include:

• NCUS Tech in Columbus, Ohio, offers a Handling Tool Operations and Programming certification course. The course is an approved FANUC curriculum that aims to help operators, technicians and programmers set up and record programs on a robot. 
• Motlow State Community College in Tullahoma, Tennessee offers a program that concentrates on students who are interested in working as robot technicians in an integrated multidisciplinary industrial environment. This course provides both academic knowledge and practical experience needed to prepare students to be mechatronics technicians. 
• SWPA Bots IQ in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a pre-apprenticeship program. The program takes a blended approach, offering both online learning platforms and hands-on activities, to help participants develop technical skills and competencies. 
• Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, is a robotics associate degree program. This program gives students the knowledge they need to assist manufacturing, mechanical and electrical engineers during all phases of design, development, production, testing and operations.

“Our nation’s ability to grow U.S. manufacturing is inhibited by a historic skills gap,” Mary Ellen Rich, ARM Institute Certification Manager, said. “Effective training programs are critical to both recruiting the next generation of manufacturers and upskilling our current workforce. Congratulations to each of our Endorsed programs on this well-earned recognition.”

The ARM Institute is a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) funded by the Department of Defense, with a mission to catalyze robotic technologies and workforce skilling solutions to strengthen and grow US manufacturing. It works with a national consortium of over 360 member organizations. 

In October 2022, the ARM Institute opened an office in St. Petersburg, Florida. The new office is located near the Tampa Bay Innovation Center. Its key focus will be to leverage the investments made over the past five years in robotics, workforce development and artificial intelligence.