The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute is providing $6 million in grant funding to go toward four makerspace facilities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania to better offer local manufacturers and entrepreneurs access to advanced equipment and resources.
The Community College of Allegheny County, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn State New Kensington's Digital Foundry and Westmoreland County Community College are already leading the development and oversight of these four spaces, all of which tout unique specializations. ARM's grant funding will look to broaden the level of support that is being made available to regional manufacturers interested in incorporating advanced technologies, like robotics or artificial intelligence, into their production process.
"These organizations’ Makerspaces were selected for funding because they already have advanced capabilities and have been making a positive impact in their communities," Jay Douglass, chief operations officer for ARM, said in a prepared statement. "The ARM Institute looks forward to helping them expand their impact and connect with new audiences, including small and medium-sized manufacturers."
ARM's funding, which is being supplied over the next four years, is coming from the $62.7 million Build Back Better grant challenge the region won last fall, which will invest in various innovation-focused initiatives in the years to come.
