The robotics students at Oakland Community College are getting a gift today.
General Motors is donating robots that were once used to make cars on its assembly plant floors. They are going to the school's industrial robotics program at the Auburn Hills campus.
The equipment is valued at $20,000 and will be used for hands-on training for students learning how to program and maintain robots.
Dr. Timothy Meyer is chancellor at Oakland Community College. He says the donation will help prepare students for manufacturing jobs that can help boost the local economy.
"It’s in recognition that advanced manufacturing is Michigan’s future and robotics obviously is a very critical component of that advanced manufacturing interest," said Dr. Meyer.
He added that by giving students this kind of experience they can increase their chances at getting a job at a big auto company.
"Their support of OCC provides skilled trades that in turn provide for advanced manufacturing that in turn are returned to the community in really well-paying jobs."
The robots were no longer needed by GM because of process changes at its plants.
- Reem Nasr, Michigan Radio Newsroom
