Dustin Van De Weerd, program director for Electromechanical, Automation and Smart Manufacturing, is focused on ensuring students gain real-world experience with the same technologies they’ll encounter on the job. A key part of that effort is integrating AI into the Smart Manufacturing Lab to mirror modern manufacturing environments.

AI tools are used to create realistic scenarios that challenge students to think critically and solve problems. Through custom GPTs, students analyze randomly generated case studies and determine whether automation, manual assembly or other manufacturing methods are the best solution.

These AI driven scenarios provide exposure students might not encounter until they enter the workforce, offering greater flexibility and a deeper understanding of modern manufacturing operations.

“Critical thinking is part of everything we do, Van De Weerd said. “AI tools help them to think about scenarios they normally wouldn’t be exposed to.”

From smart sensors that predict equipment failures to autonomous robots navigating factor floors, AI is already embedded in today’s manufacturing systems. By learning how to work with these technologies in the classroom, students graduated ready to bring innovation and informed decision making to the workforce.

“It’s important for technical and hands on programs – and actually any program in higher education to expose students to AI,” he said. “It’s not going away.”

Want to learn more about AI at NTC? Read about our commitment to AI integration.