Newspapers / Wayne Community College Student … / May 17, 1995, edition 1 / Page 7
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MAY 17, 1995 - WCC CAMPUS VOICE 7 Students uisit local robotics Industry By CATHERINE GERRINGER What would life be like if we were all able to have a robot in our homes? Students in Bob Biggers Design Drafting II class recently went on a field trip to find out exactly what robotics is and how it works at Production Automation. Biggers said the purpose of the trip was to determine and understand the products manufactured as well as the most critical and complex manufacturing processes, and to learn how the engineering department at a business functions. Biggers and the students saw a demonstration of a PfiODUCTianj AuroMATioiM, me. lob llggers aod stsdeits Tisited this facility on Soith George Street. PI0T08: CITUIIII GIUIKII. welding operation in which 2 pieces to be joined were grabbed and held in place by metal fingers while a robotics arm under computer control brought the welding electrode to the pieces and supplied the necessary heat and filler metal. Biggers said an added bonus was to see how a recent WCC Design graduate, Mike Passmore, was able to fit into the organization and quickly become productive. Passmore was the tour guide; he is a project' engineer employed with the company for the last 10 months. Production Automation specializes in manufacturing robotics cells to accomplish welding operations, Biggers said. David Peele started the business 5 years ago on his brother Camille's back porch. Camille said, "Starting salaries range from $8.00 to $17.00 per hour," considered the highest average in Wayne County. The company needs students to be strong in math, science, physics, communication skills, English, and reading. Production Automation reimburses employees who attend school and maintain a "C" or better in their grades. The company employs 14-15 full-time and 8- 10 part-time workers. Of the total employees, 1 electrician and 6 machinists have attended WCC. The company prefers employees to have a 2- year Associate's degree in Design and Drafting and have mechanical experience. Semesters to be in place in 1997 By JENNIFER L. TAPE Wayne Community College will be switching from quarters to semesters beginning in the fall of 1997. llggers aid eagiaeeriig stadeits (1 to r) lill Piaeh, leiaaie Inrdock, aad lobert filters obserre Prodictloi litoiatioi's eqalpeat as liehael Pusiore eiplaias tbe processes. Starts saw robotic irocesses dariag tbeir field trip as lell as leaned aboit the eiperieices of a toner stadeat. Most of the 58 schools in the system have used the quarter system since their establishment. According to Curtis Shivar, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, the next year will be spent working on course conversion. The State Board of Community Colleges have advised community colleges about how the change can be smoothly accomplished. Shivar said that WCC instructors will be invited to work on committees at the state level to plan how to effect the change. According to a "Campus Voice" survey in the fall 1994 issue, 75% of faculty and 66% of students who responded favored the change to semesters. The reasons for their enthusiasm ranged from easier credit transfer to longer breaks. Some faculty see disadvantages in major revamping of courses and a serious commitment from students.
Wayne Community College Student Newspaper
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May 17, 1995, edition 1
7
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