Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Academy (AIMA)

The manufacturing sector in Illinois is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting from traditional assembly-line production to highly automated, data-driven, and interconnected smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0) processes. This change has created a skills gap in the manufacturing workforce which AIMA seeks to address. AIMA is a connected ecosystem of educational institutions and industry around emerging workforce needs in robotics, smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence/machine learning.

AI + Robotics + Microelectronics

Artificial intelligence and robotics form a powerful technological union which is made possible by advances in microelectronics.

Artificial Intelligence (The "Mind"): Provides the cognitive framework. Unlike traditional software bound by rigid rules, machine learning and deep learning enable systems to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make autonomous decisions.
Robotics (The "Body"): Translates digital intelligence into physical movement. Modern autonomous systems—from industrial arms to humanoid robots—seamlessly integrate mechanical engineering, sensors, and physical actuators.
Semiconductors & Microelectronics (The "Nervous System"): Powers the hardware. Without advanced microchips, complex AI and robotics would remain trapped in massive cloud data centers; semiconductors make real-time, local intelligent automation possible.

AIMA – Goals & Purpose

AIMA will educate high school students and their teachers in foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) specifically as applied to modern manufacturing and robotics systems. This project aim is to increase engagement of pre-college students with advanced technological education through hands-on experiential learning experiences in the application of AL/ML solutions to problems in advanced manufacturing and will provide student engagement and skill development in this area. AIMA is a joint project with Chicago State University CINSER and Moraine Valley Community College.

AI & Robotics Academy Summer 2027

AIMA will be offering a 2-week summer academy, June 14, 2027 – June 25, 2027, held at Moraine Valley Community College. Limited seats are available. The academy is open to all area high school students. High school participants will receive 3 college credits at Moraine Valley Community College (for completing AET 110 Robotics), an industrial robotics certification and experience learning at a community college technology center. AIMA also has limited seats for a few area high school teachers in computer science, math, physics/physical sciences, CTE/vocational studies or industrial arts/engineering technology. Teachers receive a stipend, an industrial robotics certification and curriculum insight to help bridge the gap between high school coursework and college/workforce readiness.

Applications are being accepted for limited seats in the program until November 21, 2026.

AIMA is generously supported by funding from the National Science Foundation for the project, “Activating Learning in the Future Factory: Informal Learning of AI & ML in Advanced Manufacturing for Chicago Area High School Students” - supplemental funding for “Pivots: Chicagoland Partnership for Semiconductors and Microelectronics Experiential Learning (Mic2ExL),” NSF Award#: 2322734.

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