Hine Automation and ROOTS Education Collaboration

Creating More Relevant and Accessible Robotic & Automation  Learning Opportunities 

Collaboration between engineering companies and higher education has never been more critical. The demand for technical and digital skills is steadily growing and robotics professionals are expected to handle unforeseen challenges, adapt, problem-solve, and improvise. The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry, specifically in automation, can lead to delays in development.

To ensure that the semiconductor industry has the trained workforce it needs to thrive in years to come, engineering and educational partnerships are vital to addressing the skills shortage.

With the support of Hine Automation and ROOTS Education, Valencia College Osceola campus (Kissimmee, Fla) has added a specialized semiconductor track to its current technology program focusing on automation technology. The Robotics Technician Program encourages new automation technicians and prepares them for advanced manufacturing with a specific focus on the semiconductor industry.

“Providing students with a unique opportunity for a hands-on automation experience is invaluable,” said Scott Craver, chief executive officer, Hine Automation. “The Advanced Robotics Learning Factory will offer a comprehensive training program featuring a simulated wafer processing production line.”  

Valencia College training programs focus on intense, hands-on training in high-demand, high-wage fields. These programs put students on a path to enter a new career or advance a current skill set in a short amount of time. Students learn the skills they need to succeed in their chosen field and receive support from experienced faculty and staff.  

“We are excited to partner with Hine Automation to create this new Robotics & Semiconductor Technician Program,” said Jeff Kondel, owner and executive director, ROOTS Education. We believe we are taking a step in the right direction to ensure that students who wish to pursue a career in robotics receive the support they need to excel.” 

Valencia’s Advanced Robotics Learning Factory houses the specialized semiconductor track including a simulated wafer processing production line and a mock cleanroom. Hine Automation will provide ten robotic arms, 7x Hatm-5.0s, and 3x Hatm-4.0s, to automate the handling of semiconductor wafers in the simulated wafer processing line and mock cleanroom. The simulated processing line includes ten typical process stations, each equipped with a Hine Automation atmospheric arm. 

ROOTS Education’s partnership with Hine Automation allows students access to instruction that mimics what they will see in the field. This can be especially valuable with the growing need for skilled workers. Industry collaborations like this one enable universities to diversify and expose students to new workplace skills.  These robotic and engineering skills, in turn, can increase job placement rates while providing companies such as Hine Automation with a well-prepared talent pipeline. 

Additionally, the collaboration ensures that students access the most up-to-date industry technology. The Robotics & Semiconductor Technician Program is a 22-week certificate program which allows a unique leap into installation, programming, and maintenance of a Wafer Cleanroom. This certified training addresses ten dedicated processes common to the industry to help students achieve higher real-world skills and succeed in today’s growing robotics field.

Collaboration is Key to Success in the Robotics Classroom

• Gain hands-on experience with real-world technologies. As one of the most essential benefits of collaborating with Hine Automation, students gain instant knowledge, guidance, and current experiences from those in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the opportunity to work with the most innovative technologies enhances their marketability after the student completes the robotics program.
• A network that goes full circle. Both the robotics students and the semiconductor professionals benefit. The Robotics & Semiconductor Technician Program provides two-way communication between Hine Automation and Valencia college students providing a valuable resource for students looking for jobs or internships in the field. In turn, companies like Hine Automation gain skilled students who are already trained and ready to make an impact.
• Financial stability. Strategic collaborations, Hine Automation’s partnership with ROOTs Education, often provide financial stability to automation programs by offering the use of robotics components and building a unique program that creates interest for future robotics students.

“We are excited to work with Hine Automation because of their extensive robotic automation experience, and, like us, a company who has big dreams,” said Kondel. “Having Hine understand and support our mission to shape the future workforce is not always an objective for many companies but Scott was instantly on board.”

Semiconductor manufacturing is a growing industry across Florida, and local companies rely heavily on the ability to recruit skilled workers. With more than 10,000 manufacturing companies in the state, closing the skills gap and attracting and retaining talent is critical. Corporate partnerships with higher education boost innovation by sharing ideas and expertise. It’s a win-win in an effort to meet the challenges of the 21st-century economy.

For more information on the Valencia College Robotics & Semiconductor Technician program, please visit Valencia College continuing education, or ROOTS Education.