Physics students revolutionize manufacturing assembly
Working one shift daily at school, Valley View Extended Learning students who assemble fuse holders for Yaskawa Motoman were recently supported by peers who designed a fixture to aid the process. Physics students met with “the client” to design and build an adaptive device to aid in assembly without creating frustration. Students made measurements, watched the assembly process, and asked questions to understand what the challenges were and what was most important: that workers of different abilities could be independent and increase production.
Yaskawa Motoman’s involvement extends to its Bridging Abilities program, with plans to expand the partnership. The success of this initiative is evident in both the students’ growth and Yaskawa’s increased labor capacity.
Valley View’s students are engaged in the Collaborative Change Partnership with Yaskawa America Inc. – Motoman Robotics Division (Yaskawa Motoman) through a program facilitated by The Abilities Connection (TAC) and Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE). This initiative offers employment training within the classroom for students with disabilities and other barriers, allowing them to earn while learning and preparing for post-school life.