Macomb County launches new robotics center to enhance career exploration

On Friday, Oct. 18, leaders in business, education and economic development across Macomb County gathered to celebrate the new home of the Macomb Automation and Robotics Zone (MARZ)in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

The event was held at the Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization Center, operated by SAE Government Technologies (SAE GT), where MARZ has established its center of operations. AMCC is a cutting-edge manufacturing center focused on developing advanced processes, workforce training, data management, standards and additive/subtractive part builds to support modernization and sustainment in defense and commercial applications.

"SAE is excited about the impact this space will have on participating students," said Mark Pickett, Technology Transfer Program Manager at SAE GT. "For more than 30 years, SAE's A World In Motion® (AWIM) STEM programshave been providing hands-on STEM experiences in classrooms around the globe. Combined with the mission of MARZ to enhance career exploration in STEM for students across Macomb County, we believe our efforts effectively fuel development of our talent pipeline."

The synergy around MARZ is aligned with a number of favorable trends for careers in automation and robotics in Macomb County. With the emergence of advanced manufacturing and the concentration of careers in STEM related fields in the coming decades an estimated 87,000 jobs will be available in Macomb County.

On display during the grand opening was the newly acquired regulation sized field which will be made available for practice by robotics teams preparing for competitions. The field was purchased with funds made available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) and BAE Systems.

Students representing FIRST Robotics Teams helped to demonstrate how the field will be used. Aside from the field, MARZ also has a CNC machine and 3D printer available for teams to use.

Operated with support from grants and donations, MARZ supporters, including the GM Foundation, Verizon, AT&T, ITC Holdings and others, were acknowledged at the event.

"Since 2022 alone, MARZ has hosted more than 50 outreach workshops for over 300 students, and we've provided assistance to 24 teams to help them be more competitive with resources and support for team members," said Vicky Rowinski, Director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. "We are actively seeking grants and donations to help us reach even more and acquire additionally needed resources."

About MARZ
The Macomb Automation and Robotics Zone (MARZ) is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Macomb County, Macomb Community College, Macomb Intermediate School District and the city of Sterling Heights to enhance opportunities for K-12 students to discover careers in advanced manufacturing and robotics. With support from grants and donations, MARZ provides a place for organized robotics teams to access needed tools and interact with industry professionals. To reach underserved areas, MARZ hosts interactive workshops for hundreds of K-8 students at key locations throughout Macomb County each year as well as provides small start-up grants and support for teams that advance in competitions.

About SAE Government Technologies
An affiliate of SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (SAE ITC®), SAE GT enables visionary collaboration to define solutions, advance technology and effectively address new challenges and innovation trends with Government customers (www.sae-gt.org).

Vicky Rowinski
[email protected]
586-469-5065

Department:Planning and Economic Development

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