Ivy Tech Fort Wayne Receives Equipment Donation

Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne is the recipient of four robotic arms and controllers from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. The equipment is valued at $40,000 from the Fort Wayne-based manufacturer and supplier of precision seals, bearings and custom-molded components.

The donated robots and controllers will be used by Ivy Tech students in the Engineering and Advanced Automation and Technology programs.

“While reviewing our list of surplus equipment in late 2021, we discovered four robots that, while several years old, had plenty of useful life left in them. I reached out to Cait Cramer and Bob Parker at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne to see if they could put them to use. After a few emails and a site visit, it was determined that the robots would make a great addition to a lab in the Technology Center. I look forward to visiting the North Campus in the future to see the robots in action and also continuing to support our local community college ‘gem,’ Ivy Tech,” said Steve O’Shaughnessey, testing & technology center manager at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. 

O’Shaughnessey says the robot arms are used alongside workers in areas of assembly, dispensing, finishing and material handling, among other uses. Ivy Tech Fort Wayne Engineering program students will use them for projects, initially working to install and program them.

Ivy Tech Foundation Executive Director Tracina Smith says the school is thankful for the gifts.

“These robots will give our students hands-on experience with equipment that comes right from the workplace. Experience working on actual facility equipment is what sets Ivy Tech students apart and prepares them for a successful career after graduation,” said Smith.