Wisconsin Grant Fuels UW-Stout’s CAM-AI Initiative to Support Small and Medium Manufacturers

Advancing AI in Manufacturing: UW-Stout Receives $647,000 WEDC Grant

The University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence (CAM-AI) has secured a $647,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This funding will enhance the center’s ability to provide AI and advanced manufacturing support specifically to small- and medium-sized manufacturers across Wisconsin.

CAM-AI operates within UW-Stout’s Industrial Robotics & Machine Vision Lab, part of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering. The grant reflects a strong collaboration between WEDC, the state’s primary economic development agency, and UW-Stout, known for its polytechnic approach to education.

Expanding Real-World Industry Support

UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank emphasized that this investment allows the university to expand its industry-focused support. “This funding enables UW-Stout to build out CAM-AI fully, delivering advanced manufacturing and AI services to businesses statewide,” she said.

WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes highlighted the importance of AI for Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector. “Small- and medium-sized manufacturers need AI tools to stay competitive globally. CAM-AI connects these businesses with university expertise, supporting the state’s manufacturing legacy,” Hughes noted.

Investment in Technology and Demonstration

Seth Hudson, UW-Stout’s executive director for Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement, stated the grant will be used to acquire state-of-the-art equipment. This will allow CAM-AI to broaden its services and deliver AI-driven manufacturing solutions to industry partners.

David Ding, director of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering, explained that the grant supports the development of an Automated Demonstration line. This setup will showcase automation, robotics, vision inspection, and AI applications to manufacturers, providing a practical view of how these technologies improve production processes.

Supporting Industry and Education

Established in 2024, CAM-AI leverages university expertise to address technical challenges and conduct applied research in partnership with the UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center. This center is affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology/Manufacturing Extension Partnership, ensuring access to proven solutions in consulting, training, and workforce development.

Once fully operational, CAM-AI expects to support about 20 companies and over 100 students annually, bridging the gap between education and industry needs.

CAM-AI’s Key Objectives

• Collaborate with the Manufacturing Outreach Center to provide timely applied research.
• Offer direct help for urgent, industry-specific problems.
• Deliver services like additive manufacturing and testing.
• Engage with regional and statewide initiatives supporting manufacturing and AI.

Hudson underlined the center’s role in delivering practical solutions by combining faculty expertise, student involvement, and technology. This approach addresses the evolving challenges faced by manufacturers in Wisconsin.

Manufacturing’s Role in Wisconsin’s Economy

Manufacturing remains a pillar of Wisconsin’s economy, with over 9,000 companies employing approximately 480,000 workers statewide. The sector contributes around $66 billion annually, according to the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity.

For professionals in IT and development interested in AI applications within manufacturing, this initiative offers insight into how academic partnerships can drive technological innovation in traditional industries.

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