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Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP): An Innovative Training Center

Workers from Alabama manufacturers train on the latest robots and automation tools at RTP, which will open Phase III in the first quarter of 2016.

Workforce Q4 2015
The AIDT Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP) in North Alabama is one of the most innovative training centers in the country. Workers from manufacturers all over Alabama train on the latest robots and automation tools.

The park currently consists of two buildings, with a third scheduled to have its Grand Opening in the first quarter of 2016. The first training center opened in November 2010. The Robotic Maintenance Training Center is dedicated to teaching technicians to work with and operate on the leading industrial robotics and automation software in the world. The highlight of the facility is the manufacturing floor, which consists of more than 30 industrial robots, an automated welding lab, and a mock-up automated manufacturing line used to explain the purpose of robots in manufacturing to students.

Phase II of the Alabama RTP is the 43,000-square-foot Advanced Technology and Research Development center. Think of this facility as a cutting-edge R&D facility focusing entirely on high-end robotics and automation projects. Some of the early companies involved in Phase II are creating and testing robotics for military and civilian applications as well as first responder needs. In some instances, the 9/10-mile test track can be used for testing drone take-offs and landings as well as remote-control mine searchers.

Phase III consists of the Integration, Entrepreneurial and Paint/Dispense Center, and is scheduled to have its Grand Opening in the first quarter of 2016. This facility will allow companies to train in manual paint spraying techniques and robotic dispense training.

In addition to the three buildings, the Alabama RTP also has a Mobile Robotic Training Lab, a 53-foot semi-trailer outfitted with the latest and greatest in robotics and automation, which is used by RTP and its partners as an instructional tool to create an awareness and interest within the community for the development of a skilled industrial robotic workforce. Since its debut in June 2013, over 150,000 kids have explored the RTP Mobile Robotics Training Lab.

The RTP is just one of the many incentives Alabama has to offer when it comes to landing economic development projects. “With new companies moving to and existing companies expanding in Alabama, AIDT is continuously upgrading its services as a training organization,” says AIDT’s Executive Director Ed Castile.

“By staying on top of new technologies and advanced production processes, AIDT is able to keep producing a highly skilled, well-trained workforce and keep our clients safe, productive, and profitable. We will continue to find ways to be innovative in our approach to training, developing, and recruiting the workforce these industries require.”

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