On the graph below, the plot for “U-Betch-em” Robotic Arm RA-142 is labeled correctly. (Yes or No). Submit your answers in the "comments section" below, or at http://www.fl-ate.org.
sTEm–at-Work Puzzle #22: Cargo Robot Arm Performance Test
A technician working for a shipyard that retrofits robotic arms for lifting cargo into storage compartments has just completed a computer controlled test of three new robotic arms (purchased from the Robotic Arm Division of the “U-Betch-em” Company) that have just been installed in the vessel cargo compartment. The computer has plotted the voltage verses displacement data for all three arms. The technician knows that the voltage the computer applies to the robotic arm is directly proportional to the force the arm can use to lift an object and that, for the same value of applied voltage, “U-Betch-em” RA-142 is the arm that can do the most work. Now, the Tech must label the computer plots and then print the graph out for the robot arm commissioning report that must be file.
On the graph below, the plot for “U-Betch-em” Robotic Arm RA-142 is labeled correctly. (Yes or No). Submit your answers in the "comments section" below, or at http://www.fl-ate.org.
On the graph below, the plot for “U-Betch-em” Robotic Arm RA-142 is labeled correctly. (Yes or No). Submit your answers in the "comments section" below, or at http://www.fl-ate.org.
Southern Manufacturing Technologies: A Forerunner in Precision Manufacturing
Given its gigantic scale of operations and high profile customers, investment in cutting edge technology takes precedence in defining success and meeting high-tech demands of its clientele. Shannon Sweatman, systems administrator at SMT states “we have an aggressive growth strategy, and strive to be the supplier of choice to the top global companies in our industries.” Maintaining these high standards requires “innovation, passion” and emphasis on “customer focused” strategies. SMT is a certified small employer with AS9100 certification under its belt. The company is capable of producing a large mix of parts while running 24/7 with lights-out capability. Its horizontal milling machines are on an automated 23 pallet system and controlled by a single cell controller computer. Two of the machines have 300 tool capacities; while the other can hold 120 tools. SMT also designs its own fixtures, specific tool and machining centers, and uses CAD and CAM software to model parts and program CNC machines. The company recently invested in a water jet deburring machine—the only one of its kind in the country—that enables removal of internal burrs from complex components with decreased cycle times and increased consistency. “Everything we manufacture is custom made, and we are very adaptable to each of our customers’ needs” Sweatman said.
Indeed SMT has been at the forefront of providing high-tech machining services for almost 30 years, and has been a member of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) since 1984. Most recently SMT was named NTMA’s 2010 Technology award winner. In the past, the company has also bagged the NTMA Safety award, business excellence award, OSHA Sharp award, and earned a spot on the 1988, INC 500 list of fastest growing companies in America. SMT’s re
lentless commitment to support high-tech operations in Tampa and in Florida has paved a close partnership with FLATE. In May 2011, SMT hosted the FLATE Industrial Advisory Committee comprised of industry partners from the manufacturing community, representatives from related professional organizations in the community interested in promoting/supporting education and training of the manufacturing workforce at various levels. Through this partnership SMT hopes to work with FLATE to support local robotics programs/teams, and/or hone competencies needed to train the next generation of high-tech workers.
lentless commitment to support high-tech operations in Tampa and in Florida has paved a close partnership with FLATE. In May 2011, SMT hosted the FLATE Industrial Advisory Committee comprised of industry partners from the manufacturing community, representatives from related professional organizations in the community interested in promoting/supporting education and training of the manufacturing workforce at various levels. Through this partnership SMT hopes to work with FLATE to support local robotics programs/teams, and/or hone competencies needed to train the next generation of high-tech workers. For information on SMT contact Shannon Sweatman at shannon@smt-tampa.com, or visit www.smt-tampa.com. For information on FLATE and its Industrial Advisory Committee contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org, or visit www.fl-ate.org.
FLATE Supports National Effort to Increase Pipeline of Skilled Workers in Knowledge Economy
As the U.S. Department for labor points to STEM as a “central” force in sustaining economic competitiveness and growth, focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is at an all time high, at all educational levels. Across the board, there is general consensus as well as consciousness to step up education and training efforts to prepare a fresh pipeline of workers who are qualified to work in STEM-related fields (Source: Department of Labor). FLATE recognizes this growing need and importance of STEM, and has joined in this national effort to increase the number of “knowledge workers.” The Center’s role as a leader in creating relevant, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) centered curriculum has had a positive impact on middle and high school educators across Florida.
As part of its effort to share information and resources, Dr. Marie Boyette, FLATE’s associate director recently presented sessions, for the second year, at the 2011 Secondary Science Professional Study Day for Hillsborough County high school educators. The event was held Aug. 17 and involved 21 high school teachers. In keeping with the theme—Accessing the World through Science—Dr. Boyette presented information on integrating the T & E in STEM into mainstream curriculum. During the workshop, educators had the opportunity to engage in a project-based learning activity that involved creating their own curriculum aligned to core STEM concepts. Working in teams, teachers designed a prototype following the four step engineering design process (Plan, Design, Test and Share). Projects created covered water quality, hydroponic gardening, building cars from bicycle parts, and mechanical vs. electrical efficiency. “These hands-on projects were geared to demonstrate how science and math serve as enablers for technology and engineering applications” Boyette said.
Teachers were also updated about FLATE’s expansive resources available to their schools. These included organizing field trips to local high-tech industries, mapping college and career pathways, and FLATE’s award winning lesson plans replete with STEM-embedded concepts and applications. Teachers also received information on “Industry Day” for students, hosting onsite professional development workshops for teacher groups, and FLATE’s summer institutes and STEM camps for teachers. Larry Plank, director of STEM education for K-12 at Hillsborough County Public Schools was “delighted to have wonderful support from academic and community partners.” He said “FLATE and others make for unique opportunities for our teachers and students...ultimately inspiring kids to pursue careers in STEM.”
For more information on FLATE’s professional development initiatives, or STEM based projects/curriculum contact FLATE’s Executive Director, Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org, and Dr. Marie Boyette at boyette@fl-ate.org. You can also visit www.madeinflorida.org for additional resources.
As part of its effort to share information and resources, Dr. Marie Boyette, FLATE’s associate director recently presented sessions, for the second year, at the 2011 Secondary Science Professional Study Day for Hillsborough County high school educators. The event was held Aug. 17 and involved 21 high school teachers. In keeping with the theme—Accessing the World through Science—Dr. Boyette presented information on integrating the T & E in STEM into mainstream curriculum. During the workshop, educators had the opportunity to engage in a project-based learning activity that involved creating their own curriculum aligned to core STEM concepts. Working in teams, teachers designed a prototype following the four step engineering design process (Plan, Design, Test and Share). Projects created covered water quality, hydroponic gardening, building cars from bicycle parts, and mechanical vs. electrical efficiency. “These hands-on projects were geared to demonstrate how science and math serve as enablers for technology and engineering applications” Boyette said.
Teachers were also updated about FLATE’s expansive resources available to their schools. These included organizing field trips to local high-tech industries, mapping college and career pathways, and FLATE’s award winning lesson plans replete with STEM-embedded concepts and applications. Teachers also received information on “Industry Day” for students, hosting onsite professional development workshops for teacher groups, and FLATE’s summer institutes and STEM camps for teachers. Larry Plank, director of STEM education for K-12 at Hillsborough County Public Schools was “delighted to have wonderful support from academic and community partners.” He said “FLATE and others make for unique opportunities for our teachers and students...ultimately inspiring kids to pursue careers in STEM.”
For more information on FLATE’s professional development initiatives, or STEM based projects/curriculum contact FLATE’s Executive Director, Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org, and Dr. Marie Boyette at boyette@fl-ate.org. You can also visit www.madeinflorida.org for additional resources.
National Career Pathways Network Annual Conference: Transforming Lives for a Strong America
The National Career Pathways Network is bringing its 20th anniversary conference to Florida for only the second time in our history. The conference will be October 13–14 (with several preconference options on October 12), at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Although more than 40 of the conference presentations will be by fellow Floridians, there will be more than 100 presentations from career pathways practitioners outside of Florida so that attendees may see what is going on in other parts of the country. Whether you are involved with traditional secondary-to-postsecondary transitions or with adult education, the NCPN conference has presentations that will help you implement and/or improve career pathways programs.
- 8 program strands
- 12 preconference workshops
- Keynote speakers
- Registration information and forms (online and printable versions)
- We are extending the "super early bird" discounted registration rate from June 30 to September 28 – just for Floridians.
- Districts and institutions that send at least 20 people may receive a $50 per person registration discount – print paper forms instead of online.
- Classroom teachers (any level) may take a $50 discount – in addition to other discounts.
- NCPN members receive a discount.
- Those registering for a Kuder preconference receive a main conference discount.
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