The Engineering + Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence offers smart manufacturing training in automated labs that are changing the way we learn and live. This premier education center in Central Wisconsin features state-of-the-art spaces including an Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Lab, Electronics, Mechanics + Robotics Lab and Mechatronics + Fluid Power Lab.

Advance your future with advanced technology in lights-out manufacturing, automation and AI.

Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Lab

Advances in technology and data analytics continue to shape the way we live and learn. Industry 4.0, otherwise known as the next phase in the Industrial Revolution or “4IR,” integrates networked technology, robotics and automation to help today’s industrial workforce make data-driven decisions that enhance productivity and efficiency. To help prepare students to enter this ever-evolving workforce, we are proud to feature advanced Industry 4.0 technology in our state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Lab. This space highlights the latest smart manufacturing technologies such as collaborative and autonomous robots, smart sensors and AI technologies.
A FANUC Robotics “lights-out” manufacturing system featuring a large robotic arm mounted on a gantry and several yellow SCARA robots working on conveyor-based stations. The lab showcases advanced automation with a focus on precision and efficiency in a clean, modern environment.

Lights Out Manufacturing System

This system showcases the latest technology in smart manufacturing while assembling custom USB sticks. Learners in the Smart Manufacturing Technology Associate Degree study the system and learn how to integrate smart manufacturing technologies into modern manufacturing processes.
The Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Lab featuring four yellow FANUC SCARA robots on a blue automation cell with conveyor belts. Overhead cables and a central monitor highlight advanced automation and industrial training in a modern, well-lit workspace.

Automation Systems Capstone Cell

Learners use this system to demonstrate all they have learned in the Automation Systems Technology Associate Degree. This system uses real-world industrial components to give learners a true industrial automation experience.

Electronics, Mechanics + Robotics Lab

This space supports learning of core concepts such as programming, mechanics, panel building and electronics. This lab serves as the core learning space for the Electromechanical Technology and Automation Systems Technology associate degrees. Students prepare for the ever-evolving manufacturing workforce by utilizing real-world industrial equipment and technologies such as:
A robotics training setup featuring yellow FANUC LR Mate 200iD robotic arms enclosed in safety cages with clear panels and aluminum frames. The robots are equipped with end-effectors, and the lab environment emphasizes industrial automation and precision training.

Industrial Robots

Robots perform many tasks in manufacturing such as material handling, painting and welding. Students learn how to program these tasks on the top robot manufacturer in the world. This ensures that they're ready for the world of manufacturing.
A lab workstation with multiple programmable logic controller (PLC) panels, touchscreens, wiring setups, and indicator lights. The desk features monitors, wiring modules, and testing equipment, creating a hands-on learning environment for automation and control systems.

Programmable Controllers

Programmable controllers, or PLCs, are the heart of everything in manufacturing automation. Students learn how to install, program and integrate these controllers to perform advanced industrial automation tasks.
A mobile mechatronics station at Northcentral Technical College, featuring a touchscreen, wiring, pneumatics, and motors. Background shows training stations with control panels in a hands-on learning lab.

Mechatronics

Mechatronics combines programmable controllers, electronics, mechanical motion, sensors and fluid power. Students learn how to integrate these technologies on our custom, one-of-a-kind mechatronics trainers.
A process control training station on wheels, featuring a touchscreen interface, clear fluid reservoirs, pipes, and a pump system. The unit is framed in aluminum, set in a lab with workstations and storage cabinets in the background.

Process Control

Process control manages variables such temperature, pressure, flow and more. Students get hands-on experience programming process control loops on our custom, one-of-a-kind process control equipment that utilizes real-world industrial components.
A workstation in an electronics lab featuring various test equipment. Visible are a BK Precision function generator, a Fluke digital multimeter, a dual power supply, and a vintage analog meter device on a shelving unit. There is also a monitor and cables organized around the setup. The workspace appears well-equipped for electronic testing and diagnostics.

Electronics

The electronic test stations give students hands-on experience with the most common electrical test equipment. Students develop useful troubleshooting skills to help them solve complex manufacturing problems.
The mechanical systems area with multiple blue training stations on wheels, each equipped with control panels, motors, and spooled cables. The stations are labeled “Northcentral Technical College” and include red toolboxes mounted at the base. The lab is brightly lit, with a polished floor and industrial equipment in the background.

Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems transmit power and motion through belts, chains and gears. Students learn when and where to use different mechanical systems as well as how to properly install them.

Mechatronics + Fluid Power Lab

This lab space is used for hands-on learning in our Electromechanical Technology, Automation Systems Technology and Smart Manufacturing Technology programs along with our Electrical & Instrumentation and Maintenance Technician apprenticeship programs. The lab features a fully equipped Fluid Power space, exploring the fundamentals of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Also located in this lab is the electromechanical capstone cell, where learners apply all of the knowledge gained in the Electromechanical Technology Associate Degree by creating a fully functional automated electromechanical system.
An electromechanical capstone station featuring conveyor belts, collaborative robot arms, and various sensors. The setup is framed by equipment labeled with Northcentral Technical College branding, emphasizing automation and fluid power training in a modern lab environment.

Electromechanical Capstone Cell

Students utilize this system to demonstrate all they have learned in the Electromechanical Technology Associate Degree. The system starts as a blank system where capstone students are tasked with wiring the electrical panel, installing pneumatics and mechanical components, programming the PLC and robots to perform a task of their own design.
A workstation in the Mechatronics & Fluid Power Lab with two training panels equipped with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), wiring modules, touchscreens, and test equipment. Blue chairs and monitors are positioned for hands-on apprentice training in industrial automation.

Apprenticeship Lab Space

This space includes all of the industrial components that an apprentice will encounter on the job. Learners in an apprenticeship get a valuable opportunity to test and install components that normally are inaccessible in a manufacturing environment.
A fluid power training station featuring hydraulic and pneumatic components, including gauges, valves, actuators, and control panels. Blue workbenches support hands-on learning, with neatly arranged equipment for industrial fluid power technology training.

Fluid Power Technology

This space teaches the fundamentals of hydraulics and pneumatics, or fluid power. Students learn hands-on with our custom, one-of-a-kind fluid power training equipment.
Two Dremel DigiLab 3D printers on a workbench in the Mechatronics & Fluid Power Lab. The printers are enclosed with clear front panels and digital interfaces, designed for precise additive manufacturing in an educational or prototyping setting.

3D Printing

Students and staff use 3D printing technology to bring 3D models to life. In many cases, students in capstone courses utilize 3D printing technology to make custom printed brackets and parts.

Programs Offered

The learning that takes place in the Engineering + Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence supports program students, apprentices and incumbent workers.

A student presses a touchscreen device to operate a robotic arm.

Hours + Contact Information

Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Contact Information

For details about the technology in each of the labs, contact Dustin Van De Weerd, Program Director at vandeweerd@ntc.edu or 715.803.1247.

A workstation within the Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Lab, with two monitors, robotics, and leads, along with a robotics panel displaying the NTC logo.