Michigan Technological University and West Shore Community College (WSCC) recently took center stage at an education-focused Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus (AI Caucus) event in Washington D.C. on Sept. 19. The partnership between the two institutions, which aims to revolutionize remote robotics training and education, was highlighted as an example of innovation in workforce development.
Alex Sergeyev, professor in the department of applied computing at Michigan Tech, and Vinh Nguyen, assistant professor in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering, represented the university at the event. The AI Caucus brought together experts from academia, government, and the private sector to inform policymakers about the technological, economic, and social impacts of AI. Discussions included the implications for workforce development and the unique challenges and opportunities for institutions like Michigan Tech, located in rural areas.
A focal point of the event was the demonstration of a teleoperated robotics system, developed as part of a collaborative project between Michigan Tech and WSCC. The technology allows users to remotely control an educational robot over the internet, providing a hands-on training experience equivalent to being physically present in the lab. “The developed technology for teleoperation of industrial robots captured significant interest among attendees,” stated Sergeyev. “The NSF director noted the transformative potential of this innovation, stating that it could fundamentally reshape the way industrial robotics training is delivered in the future.”
The remote robotics initiative is a key component of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies grant awarded for the “Beginnings Track: Experiential Learning for the Mechatronics Workforce in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan” project. This three-year project aims to prepare students, working professionals, and community members for careers in advanced manufacturing. The training program engages participants in self-directed learning modules, hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art equipment, and industrial site visits. The first cohort of students completed the training this past summer.
WSCC Vice President of Academics Mark Kinney explained how the partnership extends opportunities for robotics education beyond the college’s rural campus. “Our goal is to provide hands-on robotics training without the need to come to campus,” said Kinney. “The idea is for people to log in from anywhere and use our camera systems and virtual teach pendant to control the robot remotely. This flexibility is especially valuable for local employers looking to train their workforce or for high school students interested in robotics who can now access the program without traveling.”
Building on the momentum from the AI Caucus event, Sergeyev is working closely with NSF leadership to establish a state-of-the-art remote training hub for industrial robotics. “We aim to set a new standard for how skills in advanced robotics are taught and developed,” Sergeyev said. “By embracing teleoperation, we can bridge geographical barriers and make high-quality robotics education accessible to a global audience.”
The Congressional event, co-organized by the NSF, featured AI-related research projects from leading STEM institutions, including Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of Florida. Attendees included members of Congress such as Representative Anna Eshoo from California, Representative Gabe Amo from Rhode Island, and Representative Henry Cuellar from Texas, as well as over 70 congressional staffers.
The Michigan Tech-WSCC collaboration is a prime example of how partnerships between educational institutions can drive technological advancements and workforce development. As industries continue to evolve towards automation, the remote robotics training program provides a critical pathway for students and professionals to gain the skills needed to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.