The Advanced Automation and Robotics Center
Welcome to the Advanced Automation and Robotics Center (AARC). A joint effort between the University of Memphis, Southwest Tennessee Community College, and the Greater Memphis Chamber, the AARC has been funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (grant #MI-35528-20-60-A-47) to provide the Mid-South with an automation and robotics resource that will improve the lives of those in the Mid-South and make the area a desired location for companies who need a talented, educated workforce.
Mission
The mission of the AARC is to provide internationally recognized, certificate-based technical training to our military veterans, the unemployed and the under employed, allowing them to develop skills they may not be able to otherwise acquire.
Vision
The vision of the AARC is to ensure that the Mid-South region has a highly trained, technologically oriented workforce, making the area the top choice for companies looking to relocate or open new facilities.
The Plan
The AARC will initially accomplish it's mission and vision by offering Yaskawa Academy and Amatrol Skill Boss Logistics certified training courses. Over time, the AARC will expand on the different types of classes offered, increasing both the types of classes offered as well as the brands of equipment supported. Currently, the classes supported will be as follows:
- Yaskawa Academy Classes
- YRC1000 Basic Programming with Material Handling (held at the University of Memphis and Southwest TN CC)
- YRC1000 Maintenance with Programming Overview (held at Southwest TN CC)
In addition to the classes, the AARC will host the Industry-Education Alignment (IEA) Advisory Group which will be managed by the Greater Memphis Chamber and will work to ensure that the region's educational efforts are in alighment with the current and future needs of local industry. The goal of the IEA is to bring local educators and industry together to have the open, frank, and necessary discussions that will allow the Mid-South workforce as a whole to win.