The challenge requires participating schools to design an automation project that relates to a real-world manufacturing application.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FANUC America Corporation, the worlds leading supplier of robotics, CNC systems and factory automation today announced that Madison Area Technical College (Madison College) is the first place winner of its Automation Challenge 2.0, a nation-wide contest for high school and college students. The challenge requires participating schools to design an automation project that relates to a real-world manufacturing application.

The winning project submission was from Madison College students Eric Laylan and Chris Dalhoff who built an automation system to assemble fuel components for outdoor power equipment manufacturer Echo Inc. FANUC will award the college with an M-1iA delta-style robot and Rockwell Automation equipment.

"This award demonstrates that students in Madison Colleges Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology (AMST) program are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to solve real-world challenges that employers face in an intensely competitive, global economy," said Peter Dettmer, co-program director and instructor. "It is also evidence that our program is among the best in the country."

Under the leadership of Dettmer and co-program director Rick Jacobs, AMST students use problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork to create their projects for local companies looking to solve a specific problem or to improve manufacturing efficiencies.

"Students learn key manufacturing concepts as well as programming skills and the integration of different systems," added Dettmer. "This is the fourth year of the AMST program and the future looks bright for graduates who receive three or four job offers when they complete the program."

"Now more than ever, manufacturers use automation to maximize their productivity," said Paul Aiello, director, FANUC Certified Education Training (CERT). "Thats why high-paying careers in advanced automation are in demand today. Our CERT program provides manufacturers and educators a STEM-based curriculum centered on robotics and automation training, preparing students for high-tech careers in advanced manufacturing."

FANUC will present the award, valued at $60K, at a ceremony held at Madison Colleges Madison, WI campus on Wednesday, Sept 20 at 10:30 a.m. Media may RSVP to: psdettmer@madisoncollege.edu.

About FANUC America Corporation

FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, and provides industry-leading robotics, CNC systems, and factory automation. FANUCs innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers in the Americas maximize efficiency, reliability and profitability.

FANUC embraces a culture of "Service First" which means that customer service is our highest priority. We are committed to supplying our customers with parts and support for the life of their FANUC products.

FANUC America is headquartered at 3900 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, and has facilities in: Atlanta; Boston; Charlotte; Chicago; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Houston; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; Montreal; Pine Brook, NJ; Pontiac, MI; San Francisco; Seattle; Toronto; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sao Paulo, and Manaus, Brazil; and Aguascalientes, Monterrey, and Queretaro, Mexico. For more information, please call: 888-FANUC-US (888-326-8287) or visit our website: www.fanucamerica.com. Also, connect with us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.