Caterpillar Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory Dedication

Date: 4/16/07
Contact: Eric Jome

Illinois State University’s Department of Technology officially dedicated its Caterpillar Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory (CAT-IML) today. The CAT-IML, a state-of-the-art learning facility featuring robotic technology, was made possible by a $1.2 million gift from the Caterpillar Corporation.

The CAT-IML, located in Turner Hall Room 115, contains 10 integrated workstations that include industrial quality ABB robots, programmable logic controllers, a conveyor belt, machine vision systems, a computer network and pneumatic materials handling devices. The systems in the teaching laboratory give students hands-on experience using the same types of manufacturing equipment found in high-tech industrial settings.

Renovation of the lab space in Turner Hall began in May 2005 and the CAT-IML opened for classes in the fall semester of 2006. The facility also includes an adjoining smart classroom that can be used in conjunction with the workstations in the laboratory.

The robots and the programmable logic equipment used to operate them are used by a variety of classes within the Department of Technology. Introductory classes use the equipment to learn the basic concepts of robotics and integrated manufacturing, while upper level and graduate students get hands-on experience in programming and operating the industry standard integrated manufacturing equipment.

Much of the equipment in the CAT-IML was paid for with money from the Caterpillar gift, but that equipment needed to be specially adapted for use in the lab. Students and faculty members collaborated to design and build the individual workstations for the integrated manufacturing systems, as well as specialized parts for the programmable robots.

The CAT-IML, along with the Caterpillar Laboratory for Advanced Computing in Illinois State’s School of Information Technology, were made possible through a $5.25 million gift from Caterpillar as part of Illinois State’s Redefining “normal” comprehensive campaign in 2002. Approximately $2 million of that gift was earmarked for the two labs in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

“Illinois State is able to provide students with a state-of-the-art learning environment thanks to the generosity of Caterpillar,” said Illinois State President Al Bowman. “In return, companies such as Caterpillar will benefit by being able to hire highly-qualified graduates who will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

“The Caterpillar Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory puts the Department of Technology in a unique position to provide students at various levels with access to industry standard technology,” said Richard Boser, interim chair of the Department of Technology. “The manufacturing sector is moving toward more automated systems and this laboratory will give students the knowledge and training that high-tech industry is looking for.”