UC teams up with automation industry
A programmable logic controller is connected to a human-machine interface, two pieces of equipment donated by Rockwell Automation. Photo/Corrie Stookey/CEAS Marketing
The University of Cincinnati hosted representatives from Rockwell Automation and Automation Plus this month to kick off the partnerships between academia and industry.
Starting this semester, engineering consulting company Automation Plus, a Plus Group company, will hold on-campus, open-forum sessions for all majors interested in engineering consulting. In these weekly sessions, Automation Plus representatives will provide insight to industry trends, work collaboratively with students and educate on new automation technologies.
“We look forward to engaging with the next generation of industry leaders.” said Automation Plus President John Glenski “We want to share with students real world experience, including problem solving skills and knowledge of this technology, that are essential in modern industry”
The collaboration between industry leaders and the next generation of innovators reflects UC’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here.
UC Instrumentation Specialist Jason Heyl talks with representatives from Rockwell Automation. Photo/Corrie Stookey/CEAS Marketing
For Rockwell Automation, the partnership with UC and Automation Plus is an extension of an existing relationship with the university. Last year, Rockwell Automation donated industrial automation equipment, like programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives and human-machine interfaces, to enhance students’ knowledge of newer technologies.
“As automation continues to evolve, we want to make sure that future generation of forward thinkers and problem solvers have the latest, greatest technologies that can be leveraged in the classrooms,” said Michael Schutte, account manager at Rockwell Automation. “There’s always been a good recruiting relationship with UC, but this took it to the next level.”
Both companies see this new partnership as a great way to disseminate knowledge while showcasing career opportunities in their companies. Graduating UC students will better understand newer technologies and career paths and be more equipped to enter the workforce.
“We’ve seen a nice return on our investment already, and we’re looking forward to continue growing our partnership with UC,” said Schutte.
Featured image at top: Representatives from Rockwell Automation and Automation Plus pose with UC professors. Photo/Corrie Stookey/CEAS Marketing
Industry representatives from Rockwell Automation and Automation Plus pose with UC students, faculty and staff. Both companies see this new partnership as a great way to disseminate knowledge while showcasing career opportunities in their companies. Photo/Corrie Stookey/CEAS Marketing
Innovation Agenda
The collaboration between industry leaders and the next generation of innovators reflects UC’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Study finds police officers face higher long-term health risks
January 2, 2026
J.C. Barnes, a University of Cincinnati professor, is interviewed by Spectrum News about new research showing that the physical and psychological demands of law enforcement can contribute to earlier deaths.
UC student breaks world record in competitive speedcubing
December 19, 2025
UC computer science student Sujan Feist set a new world record in speedcubing at competition this month in Coshocton, Ohio. Feist is the reigning world champion in the 2x2 division.
Bazinga! UC physicist cracks ‘Big Bang Theory’ problem
December 19, 2025
A physicist at the University of Cincinnati and his colleagues figured out something two of America’s most famous fictional physicists couldn’t: theoretically how to produce subatomic particles called axions in fusion reactors.