Gakuto Club opens 'Factory of the Future' on Nov. 1 in Wheeling
In today's world, technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and industries are evolving every day. In such a dynamic environment, STEM education becomes crucial for shaping the minds of the next generation, empowering them to lead and innovate in the future. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the resources and opportunities needed to pursue STEM education, especially in underprivileged communities.
This is where Gakuto Club steps in. Gakuto Club is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) STEM organization located at 311 Egidi Drive in Wheeling. Our mission is to provide STEM education to students and young adults, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. We aim to inspire and engage students in STEM-related fields by introducing them to real-world applications and offering hands-on training.
The realization of Gakuto Club's vision would not have been possible without the support of four remarkable companies: Precision Zone Inc., GennFlex Inc., Yaskawa America, and Knuth Machine Tools. These companies came together to help fund Gakuto Club and provide them with state-of-the-art training systems.
Precision Zone Inc., a company deeply rooted in the Wheeling business community for nearly two decades, played a crucial role by donating GennFlex Automation labs. These labs are equipped with cutting-edge industrial training systems, including programmable logic controllers, sensors, motors, and other components, providing students with hands-on training in automation and control.
GennFlex Inc., known for developing curriculum and designing standardized modular, open-source platforms for STEM and workforce training, provided Gakuto Club with curriculum, training, and personnel support. Their expertise in designing and delivering STEM training systems has helped Gakuto Club become a leading hub for robotics and advanced technical training.
Yaskawa America, a leading manufacturer of industrial robots, motion control, and drives, assisted Gakuto Club in establishing a "Factory of the Future" at Gakuto Club's location. This training center is equipped with Yaskawa's most advanced robots and motion control systems, allowing students to learn practical robotics and automation skills in a real-world setting.
Knuth Machine Tools, a renowned manufacturer of machine tools and accessories, supported Gakuto Club by donating their latest equipment, including CNC machines, lathes, mills, and other tools. This equipment enables students to learn and experiment with metalworking and machining.
The collaboration between these companies has had a significant impact on Gakuto Club's mission. Their support has equipped Gakuto Club's facility with some of the most advanced training systems, providing students with opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Local Wheeling government and the Chamber of Commerce have also played a vital role in this effort.
After the initial success of Gakuto Club's partnership with Precision Zone, GennFlex, Yaskawa America and Knuth Machine Tools, word spread about their collaboration. More and more people, especially those in the local community, began to take notice of the work that Gakuto Club was doing and the positive impact it was having on students' lives.
As the word continued to spread, additional companies showed interest in Gakuto Club's mission. Equipment OEMs such as Fronius Perfect Welding, Wandlebots, Centroid CNC, and Cognex were among the first to step up as sponsors. They recognized the importance of STEM education and wanted to be part of an initiative making a difference in the community.
Fronius Welding, a global leader in welding technology, provided state-of-the-art welding equipment to Gakuto Club, allowing students to learn and experiment with various welding techniques, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Wandlebots, a German developer of processes that simplify robot programming without writing code, equipped two robotic welding cells with their technology, providing students with insights into automation and technology's role in modern manufacturing.
Centroid CNC, a CNC control systems manufacturer located in Pennsylvania, partnered with Gakuto Club to set up a CNC training lab. This lab, scheduled to be unveiled in December of this year, will provide advanced software and expertise on teaching CNC programming.
Cognex, a manufacturer of machine vision systems, donated smart cameras to establish a machine vision class at Gakuto Club. These cameras can be integrated into industrial automation systems, giving students a better understanding of machine vision technology's real-world applications.
With the support of these new sponsors, Gakuto Club expanded its offerings, providing students with even more opportunities to learn about STEM-related fields. The local community took notice of these new developments, and more people got involved. Gakuto Club's reputation grew, and they became known as a beacon of hope for underprivileged students looking to pursue a career in STEM.
The support of local businesses and the community allowed Gakuto Club to make a real difference in students' lives. They became known as a beacon of hope for underprivileged students looking to pursue a career in STEM. Their success demonstrates how a small initiative, driven by a strong mission, can grow and inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.
Gakuto Club's "Factory of the Future" unveiling took place on Oct. 3. Gakuto Club is finalizing its organizational setup and will open its doors to the public on Nov. 1.