For the Media

Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS) and Robotic Welding Technologies Project

Western New England (WNE) University’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS) is at the forefront of advancing robotic welding technologies, supported by a $1.1 million investment from the Healey-Driscoll Administration. This is a collaborative effort with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and local industry partners.

• Introduction to CAMS: The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS) at WNE's aim is to achieve a leading position in the exploration and training for advanced manufacturing systems. Focus areas include automation, robotic welding technologies, and additive manufacturing.
• Healey-Driscoll Administration's Support: The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made a significant investment of $1.1 million to fund a three-year project, establishing a research and training cluster in advanced robotic welding technologies. This collaborative effort involves partnering with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and local industry stakeholders. The project aims to bolster the advanced welding cluster, providing the region with a pipeline of highly skilled workers to meet the demands of local employers.
• Collaborative and Community Impact: The project's goal is to engage key players within the advanced manufacturing ecosystem and highlight the community and educational outreach. The involvement of local companies like Advance Welding, Mestek Inc., Nitor Corporation, and American Steel and Aluminum Corporation, underscores the potential to bolster local manufacturing capabilities.
• Workforce Training and Educational Outreach: The project's initiatives include providing workforce training opportunities and sponsoring events focused on robotic and advanced welding technologies. This effort extends to engaging high school students in the Springfield area, aiming to cultivate career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation. WNE is committed to strengthening its existing relationships with colleges and school districts in the region, including those in Springfield, Wilbraham, Monson, and Holyoke.
• Diversity and Inclusion Efforts: Outreach efforts aim to draw interest from undergraduates, especially focusing on engaging women and underrepresented minorities through partnerships with organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the Society of Black Engineers, demonstrating a commitment to increasing diversity within the sector.
  
  
• Applications: The cutting-edge welding technologies have several applications in high-growth industries, including offshore wind, electric vehicles, aerospace, and manufacturing for national defense capabilities, such as submarines.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Grants $1.1 Million to Western New England University to Support Advanced Robotic Welding Technologies

WNE President Dr. Robert E. Johnson

"Today's visit by Governor Healey marks a milestone in our journey towards leading in advanced manufacturing and robotics, underscored by the strategic investments of the Mass Leads Act. At Western New England University, this support translates directly into cutting-edge research and development in areas critical to our nation's future, including our CAMS and Robotic Welding Technologies Project. This Act not only strengthens our state's competitive stance in the technology sector but also underlines the vital role of education in achieving sustainable economic growth and workforce readiness. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their continued support of these life-changing initiatives."

WNE Provost and Senior Vice President Dr. Maria Toyoda

"The support from the Mass Leads Act is a game-changer for institutions like ours, enabling Western New England University to be at the forefront of advancements in advanced manufacturing and robotics. The Healey-Driscoll Administration's investment in our projects, including the groundbreaking CAMS initiative, empowers us to contribute significantly to the state's economy while training the next generation of engineering talent. It's clear that when we invest in innovation and education, we are investing in a brighter, more prosperous future for Massachusetts."

Western New England University is at the heart of advancing microelectronics manufacturing and semiconductor technologies having received more than $2.08 million of state and federal funding to establish state of the art facilities. Supported by $19.7 million in federal CHIPS and Science Act funding and a partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, this initiative cements Massachusetts' status as a regional innovation hub, fostering job growth, workforce development, and elevating the semiconductor ecosystem to new heights.

These points underscore the innovative steps WNE is taking, thanks to the support from the Healey-Driscoll Administration:

• WNE's Role in NEMC: WNE is proud to participate in the NEMC, a regional initiative dedicated to advancing microelectronics manufacturing and semiconductor technologies. This collaboration underscores our commitment to leveraging our state-of-the-art facilities in integrated microelectronics, photonics, and quantum hardware development to accompany our expertise in workforce development and training high-tech specialists.
• CHIPS Act Funding Impact: In fiscal year 2023, the significant allocation of $19.7 million awarded to Massachusetts through the federal CHIPS and Science Act to establish the NEMC, highlights the states commitment to bolstering its position as a regional hub for innovation in the microelectronics sector. Supported by up to $40 million in matching funds from the Immediate Needs Bond Bill, this funding underscores the Healey-Driscoll Administration's dedication to advancing technology and fostering economic growth.
• Collaborative Vision and Workforce Development: The coalition of over 90 organizations led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative will enhance Massachusetts' position in the semiconductor ecosystem. WNE's College of Engineering is set to play a crucial role in supporting the coalition's technical vision and developing a regional pipeline of STEM talent.
• State and University Collaboration: The synergy between the state's initiatives and WNE's goals is evident in fostering new economic development across Western Massachusetts and beyond. This partnership aligns with Governor Healey's vision of Massachusetts leading in innovation and providing workforce development opportunities in cutting-edge sectors.
• Broader Impact on Massachusetts: The broader implications of the NEMC and CHIPS Act funding encompass the creation of new jobs, the support for groundbreaking research and development, and the enhancement of resources for businesses throughout the state.

Western New England University, in partnership with UMass Boston and supported by a $999,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is pioneering the future of technology through the development of state-of-the-art quantum computing infrastructure. This collaborative project not only places Massachusetts at the forefront of quantum computing research but also strengthens the workforce by training the next generation of engineers in this cutting-edge field, showcasing our commitment to innovation, education, and economic growth.

Significant strides are being made in quantum computing, thanks to the impactful collaboration between academia, industry, and government in Massachusetts and to funding provided by the Commonwealth's grant. They include:

• Quantum Computing Hardware Lab at WNE: The WNE Quantum Hardware Development lab is equipped with a sub-Kelvin dilution refrigeration system that supports the testing and commercialization of key quantum computing hardware. It is poised to become a future testing facility for emerging quantum technologies, accelerating the journey from experimentation to commercialization.
  
  
• Collaborative Research and Development: The partnership between WNE, UMass Boston, and Massachusetts-based small businesses, including Amherst's Millimeter Wave Systems, LLC, Cohasset's Quantum Microwave, and Raytheon BBN in Cambridge, is poised to enhance the commercialization of computing hardware. Additionally, this collaborative network aims to bolster workforce development in the quantum information industry.
  
• Statewide Impact and Workforce Development: The project plays a crucial role in establishing new research centers that will provide unparalleled training opportunities for STEM students in Massachusetts. These centers are designed to cultivate a pipeline of highly skilled individuals prepared to contribute to the expanding quantum computing sector, thereby augmenting the capabilities of local tech companies.
  
• Innovation and Economic Growth: The project holds immense potential to fuel innovation and economic growth in Massachusetts. The development of low-temperature measurement facilities at WNE and UMass Boston is expected to shorten product development cycles and support the quantum supply chain companies within the state.
  
• Leadership in Quantum Computing: Massachusetts has a unique opportunity to emerge as a leader in the quantum computing arena with the Commonwealth's investment paving the way for new opportunities for companies to validate and test their products. This project aligns seamlessly with the broader objective of sustaining Massachusetts' competitive edge in technology and innovation.