A new manufacturing training simulator designed to help students gain hands-on experience with industrial equipment is now available through a partnership involving Owensboro Community & Technical College.
Known as The CUBE Simulator, the training system was developed by OCTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC) and Ohio-based Lowry Controls. The compact unit is designed to teach industrial maintenance and mechatronics skills using the same types of components technicians encounter in manufacturing facilities.
The simulator incorporates hydraulics, pneumatics, and conveyor systems while exposing students to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing technologies. Officials said the goal is to better prepare students and entry-level technicians for careers in modern manufacturing.
Lowry Controls and AMTEC have partnered since 2014 to develop industry-focused training equipment for educational institutions and workforce training programs across the country.
“We have had a great journey with AMTEC over the years, and The CUBE is only strengthening that partnership,” said Kelly Lowry of Lowry Controls. “We cannot wait for educators and future maintenance technicians to get their hands on this new piece of equipment that allows students to safely learn real-world skills while also experiencing and troubleshooting just like they will as a technician.”
AMTEC Director Jason Simon said the new simulator is intended to help address workforce shortages in manufacturing by providing educators with tools that reflect current industry practices.
“We could not be more excited to launch The CUBE Simulator and cannot wait to have this trainer in schools across the country,” Simon said. “Lowry Controls has been an amazing partner of AMTEC, and we are proud to work with them to develop training equipment that helps students prepare for the workforce.”
AMTEC is housed at Owensboro Community & Technical College and serves as a national network of education and industry partners focused on training industrial maintenance and mechatronics technicians.
The CUBE Simulator is available through Lowry Controls for educational institutions and industrial training facilities.
