Oakland University has recently announced that it has joined forces with the College for Creative Studies and a coalition of regional industry partners to establish an augmented reality center (ARC) at Oakland University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science.
The ARC will introduce students to cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology and provide unique opportunities for these students to work alongside expert faculty and industry partners in applying the technology to various aspects of manufacturing.
Oakland University noted that AR technology will play a key role in the future of manufacturing thanks to its ability to merge the physical world with digital data, enabling new and better ways to interact with machines and creating more cost effective and efficient solutions for companies. By training students to use the technology, the University hopes that it will help to prepare them for successful careers in the rapidly growing field following graduation.
According to Dr. Louay Chamra, Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the founding partners will serve on an Industrial Advisory Board with Oakland University faculty and bring forward ideas for research, training and workforce development that can be implemented at the ARC for the benefit of students and industry.
“Advancing augmented reality will prepare companies in our region to be more competitive in the global marketplace and more successful in achieving goals that are part of the fourth industrial revolution,” said Chamra. “People often see STEM and industrial design as separate fields, but we create powerful opportunities when we bring these subjects together synergistically to improve efficiency and advance industry all around us.”
Founding industry partners include ABB Inc., AM General, Continental, General Motors, Hirotec America, KUKA Robotics, Magna International, MAHLE Industries, Rave Computer, Siemens, and US Military Ground Vehicle Systems.
Epic Games is also providing support through its Epic MegaGrants Program, a USD $100 million initiative designed to service and assist game developers, enterprise professionals, media and entertainment creators, students, educators, and tool developers doing outstanding work with Unreal Engine or enhancing open-source capabilities for the 3D graphics community. The University did not disclose a dollar amount for the support that Epic will be providing however.
For more information on the Augmented Reality Center at Oakland University, please visit the ARC webpage.
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Image credit: Oakland University
