BGSU signs collaborative agreement with Ohio-based companies to drive AI, smart technology integration in advanced manufacturing

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4. BGSU signs collaborative agreement with Ohio-based companies to drive AI, smart technology integration in advanced manufacturing

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University School of Engineering on Tuesday entered into a memorandum of understanding with two companies - one focused on manufacturing improvement practices and the other on digital transformation services - that leverages the University's educational acumen and research expertise in the growing field of AI to work toward a shared goal of strengthening Ohio's economy.

The two Ohio-based companies, Kata Solution LLC of Powell and IoTco of Cincinnati, are partnering with the University to seek pilot program opportunities and a comprehensive strategic understanding that builds upon educational innovation from BGSU, provides students with real-world opportunities and aids the state's economy by working directly with industry partners.

"As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is committed to fostering innovative partnerships that create student learning experiences and opportunities, while supporting Ohio's economy," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "We are so pleased to be part of this collaborative, public-private partnership with two Ohio-based companies that will have a wide impact in implementing smart technology in Ohio's advanced manufacturing sector through shared resources, research and learning experiences."

"This partnership between Kata Solution, BGSU and IoTco is about driving real impact where it matters most - on the manufacturing floor and in the minds of tomorrow's leaders," Kata Solution LLC President Bryan Little and IoTco CEO Mo Abuali said in a joint statement. "Together, we're combining operational excellence, smart technology and education to help companies compete, innovate and grow in the Industry 4.0 era."

The BGSU School of Engineering introduced three degree programs in 2023 - electronic and computer engineering, mechanical and manufacturing engineering and robotics engineering - and also offers three accredited and accelerated bachelor's to master's degree options through which students can earn an advanced degree with just one extra year of study.

The School of Engineering, which set a new enrollment record in 2024, has long been a producer of skilled graduates who gain valuable experience through multiple paid co-ops.

Engineering students at BGSU learn from experts in their field and in cutting-edge learning environments, making the University uniquely positioned to address the future of manufacturing that historically has been imperative to northwest Ohio.

"We're a very hands-on, industry-connected program, and a big component of this agreement is that we can help the economy as a team," said Dr. Wael Mokhtar dean of the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation. "We're a public university for the public good, and one thing we can do is help local companies grow.

"The manufacturing world is very competitive, and keeping up with technology upgrades can be very expensive. But as a partner university, we can leverage our expertise, provide ideas and design some of the processes that can help some of the companies around us, both small and large."

Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is a generalized term used to describe the significant shifts to the function of the global supply network, including the increase of automation, use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and the Internet of Things, which refers to advanced technologies that can connect with and exchange data with other systems or devices.

The changes of the next era are expected to be significant, but by partnering directly with key players in the industry, Mokhtar said BGSU can provide students with career-building opportunities before graduation, which in turn also allows partners to keep top talent in Ohio.

When students stay in the area to work with an innovative company in their field, Mokhtar said everybody wins.

"The retention rate of students who come from out of state and stay in Ohio, or come from Ohio and stay in Ohio, is very high for BGSU graduates," he said. "If you package everything together where they can find a professional company that has what they're looking for in our backyard, that helps everybody."

As part of the University's commitment to economic initiatives in Ohio and the larger region, the agreement allows all three parties to work together to create solutions in a competitive industry.

With major changes expected in the field, partnerships are what will allow all parties to solve complex problems together, Mokhtar said.

"This partnership allows us all to grow as a team - BGSU, our students and these two companies - to solve larger problems, with our students and faculty part of the team fixing it," Mokhtar said. "It's expanding and enhancing our expertise to handle some of these larger problems."