ONC BOCES receives grant for robotics program – Oneonta Daily Star

The Corning Incorporated Foundation has awarded agrant of $15,000 to Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES, according to a media release.

The money is to go toward an expected Fall 2018 launch of a Mechatronics/Robotics program.The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level manufacturing jobs and to go on to college for advanced training.

Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Mechatronics is a technology that combines electronics and mechanical engineering. Mechatronics/Robotics at ONC BOCES will be an interdisciplinary program focused on mechanics, electronics, motor control systems, and automation, which drive the design, operation and maintenance of all modern complex machinery, the release said.

Several area manufacturing firms and food-production facilities rely on mechatronics, but sometimes struggle to fill positions, according to the release. The new program is intended to help plug the middle skills gap, the release said.

Mechatronics/Robotics will provide students with the necessary information and skills sets to enter the emerging field of advanced manufacturing, ONC BOCES Superintendent Nicholas Savin said in the release. SUNY Delhi has recognized the employment need for this emerging field and has developed 2- and 4-year programs to prepare students for this work. Problem solving, mechanical and electrical design, automation and computer systems/logic represent areas of study. Broome Community College has also recognized the need in this emerging field and has begun to develop a degree program as well to help meet the skilled employment needs for this industry.

The Mechatronics/Robotics program offered at the high school level at ONC BOCES will allow for students to achieve a level of experience that will enable them to enter the workforce after graduation or position them to excel in a related course of study at a higher educational institution, the release said.

The grant was written by the Capital Region BOCES Grants Service.

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ONC BOCES receives grant for robotics program - Oneonta Daily Star