Augmented reality center opening at Oakland University
Center aimed at finding hightech solutions for manufacturing
A new $1 million augmented reality center aimed at finding high-tech solutions for manufacturing is opening at Oakland University.
A coalition of regional industry partners from vehicles to robotics, along with the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, will join with the university’s school of engineering and computer science to launch the center.
Students from both institutions will work together to address challenges in manufacturing and how augmented reality might create new solutions. Some examples include enhancing remote and virtual training opportunities or creating wearable augmented reality technology to assist workers in the field.
The center is in part being supported by a $200,000 grant from video game and software developer Epic Games, known for its Unreal Engine software. The company is currently offering $100,000 million through its Epic Mega-Grants Program to fund private developers, educational institutions and content creators.
Another $800,000 for the center was donated by the industry coalition, according to Louay Chamra, dean of Oakland University’s school of engineering and computer science. The founding members so far include: ABB Inc., AM General, Continental, General Motors, Hirotec America, KUKA Robotics, Magna International, MAHLE Industries, Rave Computer, Siemens and US Military Ground Vehicle Systems.
“People often see STEM and industrial design as separate fields, but we create powerful opportunities when we bring these subjects together synergistically to improve efficiency and advance industry all around us,” Chamra said.
An industrial advisory board will be formed to
bridge relationships between the companies in the coalition, students and faculty at both schools. The new center will be based out of Oakland University with an additional lab location in the Rochester area.
“The way we envision this partnership is that we’ll have students and faculty working together to develop products for the industry,” Chamra said. “Maybe the College for Creative Studies students will work on user interfaces while our engineers work on algorithms, those types of experiences will create an immersive lab and engineering experience while creating emerging technologies.”
Workforce development and training will also be a focal point for faculty at the new center. Chamra said he sees the partnership as a way to enhance collaboration between higher education institutions and local industries while bolstering the state’s workforce.
“Advancing augmented reality will prepare companies in our region to be more competitive in the global marketplace and more successful in achieving goals that are part of the fourth industrial revolution,” he said.