The collaboration is the first in the Upstate between a corporation and an institution of higher education to establish a robotics lab. USC Spartanburg and Stäubli will use the lab for research and development.

"The Stäubli Robotics Lab is a response to a need in the Upstate that has been generated by the types of manufacturing and technology now in the area," said John C. Stockwell, chancellor of USC Spartanburg. "This is a wonderful example of a local industry partnering with a local University to provide opportunities for young people to stay in the area and build their careers."

"The partnership with USCS is a great opportunity with mutual advantages to develop the acceptance and knowledge of industrial robotics in the industry and within the future generation of technicians and engineers," said Gerald Vogt, robotic division manager for Stäubli Corporation.

The demand for robotics programmers has skyrocketed with BMW and other automotive suppliers locating in the Upstate.

"Robotics have become an increasingly integral component in automotive manufacturing, especially in the body shops," said Robert Hitt, manager for media and public affairs at BMW Manufacturing Corporation. "The establishment of the Stäubli Robotics Lab at USC Spartanburg will be an essential tool in preparing the next generation of workers and will aid in continuing the ongoing training of existing employees."

Stäubli Corporation donated six RX60/CS7B robots to USC Spartanburg for the robotics laboratory to enhance its computer science division. The $275,000 donation led to the inaugural Introduction to Robotics course offered this fall. Twelve computer science majors spent the semester learning how to program robots.

"Our local industry has a strong demand for robotics programmers," said Seyed Roosta, an assistant professor of computer science. "Understanding the programming concepts of robotics is quite difficult and creates many job opportunities."

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