Skilled Grant Application Entries

• Contact information

The Norm Robotics Robotics Innovation Program at UNC Charlotte will serve 50 undergraduate and graduate students, including engineering, computer science, and mechatronics majors, by providing hands-on experience in robotics and industrial automation. Through weekly workshops, mentorship from Rockwell Automation engineers, and participation in regional competitions (e.g., FIRST Robotics Challenge, VEX U), students will gain practical skills in PLC programming, sensor integration, autonomous system design, and software development (e.g., Python, C++ for robotics control)—skills directly applicable to industry careers. This project will enhance educational quality by integrating real-world industry challenges into the curriculum, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation across disciplines. Students will access advanced Rockwell Automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, FactoryTalk software) and computer science tools (e.g., simulation software), enriching UNC Charlotte’s labs and offering experiential learning opportunities not typically available in traditional coursework.

There is a critical need for hands-on STEM education in robotics and automation at UNC Charlotte, where many engineering, computer science, and mechatronics students lack access to advanced equipment, industry mentorship, and competition opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth in demand for automation and robotics engineers over the next decade, yet local students face barriers such as limited lab resources and funding. This gap hinders their readiness for high-demand careers in manufacturing, logistics, and tech, particularly in the Charlotte region, a hub for industrial innovation. Norm Robotics seeks to address this by equipping students with practical skills and industry connections to bridge the workforce gap.

Current Conditions: At UNC Charlotte, robotics education is primarily theoretical, with limited access to advanced automation tools, industry partnerships, and competitive platforms for engineering, computer science, and mechatronics students. Many students graduate without hands-on experience in industrial robotics or software-driven automation, reducing their employability in automation-focused industries. Funding constraints limit participation in regional competitions and access to cutting-edge technology.

Desired Change: This project will transform robotics education by providing 50 students with hands-on training, Rockwell Automation equipment, and competition opportunities, preparing them for careers in industrial automation. It will establish UNC Charlotte as a leader in interdisciplinary STEM education, enhance student employability, and foster industry-academia collaboration, reducing the regional skills gap in automation and tech.

Schedule of Project Milestones (Progress or Event Schedule)
Month 1 (April 2025): Secure Rockwell Automation funding, finalize equipment procurement, and recruit 50 students (engineering, computer science, mechatronics).
Month 2-3 (May-June 2025): Launch weekly workshops, train students on Rockwell Automation tools (PLCs, FactoryTalk) and computer science tools (e.g., Python, ROS), and form competition teams.
Month 4-6 (July-September 2025): Develop and test robotic prototypes for industrial applications (e.g., warehouse automation), with biweekly progress reviews.
Month 7 (October 2025): Participate in the first regional robotics competition (e.g., FIRST Robotics Challenge).
Month 8-9 (November-December 2025): Refine prototypes, host two public demo events, and prepare for the second competition.
Month 10 (January 2026): Compete in the second regional competition and present capstone projects to Rockwell Automation.
Month 11-12 (February-March 2026): Evaluate outcomes, compile data for reporting, and plan program expansion.

How Will This Project Be Promoted and Acknowledged?
Promotion: We will promote the project through UNC Charlotte’s website, social media (Instagram, LinkedIn), and newsletters, highlighting Rockwell Automation’s sponsorship. Public demo events will engage the Charlotte community, with press releases to local media (e.g., Charlotte Observer). Competitions will feature Rockwell’s logo on shirts, pits, robots, and social media posts, per our sponsorship tiers.
Acknowledgment: Rockwell Automation will be prominently acknowledged in all project materials, including competition displays, student portfolios, and annual reports. We’ll issue thank-you posts on social media, feature their logo on our website, and invite their representatives to demo events and competition ceremonies.

Objective: 90% of participants will demonstrate proficiency in Rockwell Automation technologies (e.g., PLC programming, FactoryTalk) and computer science tools (e.g., Python, ROS) for robotics.
Measurement: Pre- and post-program assessments, project evaluations, and faculty certifications, tracked via student portfolios and reports.
Objective: Achieve top 10 placement in at least one regional robotics competition.
Measurement: Competition scores and rankings, documented through official results and video footage.
Objective: 75% of participants will secure internships or job offers in robotics/automation or tech within six months post-program.
Measurement: Surveys of participants, employer feedback, and LinkedIn/job board tracking, reported annually.
Objective: Increase STEM engagement by hosting two public demo events with at least 200 attendees each.
Measurement: Event attendance logs, participant feedback surveys, and social media analytics, reported annually.
Grant recipients (Norm Robotics) will submit annual reports to Rockwell Automation, supported by data (e.g., assessment scores, competition results, employment outcomes) to demonstrate progress toward these objectives until the grant term concludes (March 2026).

Objective: 90% of participants will demonstrate proficiency in Rockwell Automation technologies (e.g., PLC programming, FactoryTalk) and computer science tools (e.g., Python, ROS) for robotics.
Measurement Method: We will conduct pre- and post-program assessments to evaluate students’ skills in PLC programming, FactoryTalk software, Python, and ROS for robotics applications. These assessments will include practical coding tests, simulation exercises, and project-based evaluations of robotic prototypes. Faculty from the UNC Charlotte School of Engineering and computer science departments will certify proficiency based on rubric-scored assignments and capstone projects. We will track progress through student portfolios, which will include code samples, project documentation, and video demonstrations of robotic systems. Data will be compiled into annual reports, including percentages of students meeting proficiency thresholds, qualitative feedback, and examples of student work.
Objective: Achieve top 10 placement in at least one regional robotics competition (e.g., FIRST Robotics Challenge, VEX U).
Measurement Method: We will measure success by tracking competition scores and rankings at two regional robotics events during the grant term (October 2025 and January 2026). Official competition results, provided by event organizers, will serve as the primary data source, supplemented by video footage and team performance reports. We will document our placement (e.g., rank, score) and analyze performance metrics such as robot functionality, design innovation, and teamwork. Annual reports will include competition results, qualitative observations from judges and mentors, and photographic evidence of our participation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Objective: 75% of participants will secure internships or job offers in robotics, automation, or tech within six months post-program.
Measurement Method: We will conduct surveys of program participants six months after the program concludes (September 2026) to collect data on internships, job offers, or further education in robotics, automation, or tech-related fields. These surveys will be distributed via email and UNC Charlotte’s career services platform, with follow-up phone calls or interviews for non-respondents. We will also track outcomes through LinkedIn profiles, employer partnerships (e.g., Rockwell Automation), and UNC Charlotte’s career placement database. Annual reports will include percentages of students achieving these outcomes, anonymized employer names, and qualitative feedback from participants about their career preparation, ensuring measurable impact on workforce readiness.
Objective: Increase STEM engagement by hosting two public demo events with at least 200 attendees each.
Measurement Method: We will measure attendance at two public demonstration events (November 2025 and December 2025) using registration logs, ticket scans, and manual headcounts. Participant feedback will be collected via post-event surveys, assessing engagement, interest in STEM, and awareness of robotics careers. We will also analyze social media engagement (e.g., likes, shares, comments) and local media coverage to gauge reach. Annual reports will include attendance data, survey results (e.g., satisfaction scores, demographic breakdown), and analytics from promotional channels, demonstrating community impact and STEM outreach.

none

none

• I acknowledge if selected as a grant recipient, my institution has 5 business days to sign and return the Grant Agreement and provide electronic financial banking information to DENSO North America Foundation.