Hine Automation and ROOTS Education Collaboration

Hine Automation and ROOTS Education Collaboration Creates New Learning Opportunities in the Field of Robotics and Automation

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (October 26, 2023) —Hine Automation, a worldwide supplier of automation solutions, and ROOTS Education, today announced a collaboration to create more relevant and accessible robotic and automation learning opportunities. The alliance is a positive move to ensure the semiconductor industry has the trained workforce it needs to address the skills shortage and thrive in the years to come.

Hine Automation and ROOTS Education, has provided Valencia College Osceola campus (Kissimmee, Fla) with the necessary resources to add 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.

“We are at a pivotal point in our industry’s ability to keep up with demand and stay competitive,” said Scott Craver, chief executive officer, Hine Automation. “By partnering with ROOTS Education, we are building a more knowledgeable workforce. This unique experience provides a hands-on education, giving students the tools needed to not only get hired quickly, but to succeed in their chosen field.”

The specialized semiconductor track, including a simulated wafer processing production line and a mock cleanroom, will reside in Valencia College’s Advanced Robotics Learning Factory. Hine Automation has provided 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 with a Hine Automation atmospheric arm.

“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.”

The Robotics & Semiconductor Technician Program is a 22-week certificate program that 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. For more information on the Valencia College Robotics & Semiconductor Technician program, please visit Valencia College continuing education, or ROOTS Education.

About Hine Automation

Hine Automation LLC is an emergent designer and manufacturer of automation systems and robotic components, serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the semiconductor, solar, flat-panel display, and related industries around the world. Its products are utilized in a wide range of environments, providing the flexibility needed in research-and-development labs as well as meeting the stringent reliability demands of manufacturing facilities.

About ROOTS Education

ROOTS is addressing, like no one else, what the industry is asking for by offering best-in-class cobots, products, and services with unique approach at an exceptional value. Our concept: IMAGINE, EDUCATE, INTEGRATE, allows educators to start with a blank slate and have various components at students’ fingertips so they may be heavily involved in the assembly, calibration, programming, and maintenance of a robotic work cell