Winnsboro Independent School District (WISD) is proud to announce the recent donation of three Universal Robotics UR3e robotic arms from Van Meter Inc., located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This generous contribution is set to revolutionize the district’s robotics and automation program, providing students with practical experience in industry-standard technologies.
The idea for this transformative donation originated from a conversation at last year’s robotics banquet with Mike Spadaro, who played a pivotal role in making it a reality. Mike not only led the efforts on behalf of WISD but also personally covered the shipping costs to bring the robotic arms from Iowa to Winnsboro.
Valued at $17,000 each with an educational discount, these robotic arms are a significant addition to the district’s resources. The UR3e model is widely recognized for its versatility, ease of use, and adaptability across various industrial applications, including assembly, dispensing, and material handling. These robotic systems are similar to those used in real-world manufacturing environments, allowing students to directly apply the concepts they learn to potential careers in automation.
WISD plans to integrate these robotic arms into its curriculum, focusing on autonomous programming, operation, and eventually, maintenance and repair of robotic systems. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills needed to become certified operators of robotic arms, preparing them for careers in manufacturing and other industries where automation plays a crucial role.
Winnsboro ISD extends its deepest gratitude to Van Meter Inc., for their generosity and support. The district would also like to thank everyone involved at Van Meter for ensuring these robots made it to the school. Special thanks are also due to Mike Spadaro and Jeffrey Spadaro for their dedication and hard work in facilitating this donation.
This donation marks a significant milestone in WISD’s commitment to providing students with cutting-edge educational tools and preparing them for the future. The district looks forward to seeing how these robotic arms will enhance student learning and open up new opportunities in the field of automation and robotics.