PSU robotics program upgrades labs with $1 million grant

PLYMOUTH — Demonstrations and tours were part of a grand opening celebration for new facilities for the robotics program at Plymouth State University, which opened last week in the Draper & Maynard building.

The renovations were funded by a federal grant of $1 million through a Congressionally-directed spending package sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Bret Kulakovich, coordinator of the robotics automation program, spoke to the growing interest in robotics, and the importance of expanding resources at PSU during the ribbon cutting on Sept. 27.

“It's easy nowadays to get involved with robots, in robotics, but what you don't have access to is that high end of the real stuff,” Kulakovich said.

The new additions come in a completely renovated fourth floor in the Draper & Maynard building, which includes an open lab fitted with new equipment and computers, such as industrial automation and mobile robotics equipment. Classrooms have been revamped, as well as the creation of a study and homework space. On the first floor of the building, in the old welding metal shop near the makerspace, is an autonomous assembly lab, fitted with robotic arms and a water-cutting machine to create designs in materials like metal.

Kulakovich wrote the grant application two years ago, one of over 250 applications reviewed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations. State Deputy Director Chris Scott of Shaheen's office read a statement on her behalf.

“This dynamic facility will provide students with hands-on learning experiences that will translate to in-demand job skills,” Scott read. “These students will be prepared for success in a field that offers stable, fulfilling careers and contributes to the overall growth of our regional economy as we continue to work towards closing the skills gap and preparing our youth to thrive in the workforce.”

The new facilities, Kulakovich said, will allow students to learn on industry-standard equipment and provide a smoother transition into the workforce.

“I think half of getting hired is doing the job already, and we're going to have students graduating who have already done the job,” he said.

Catherine Provencher, chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire, attended the grand opening. She said expanding the robotics program is important, as there is a need in the workforce for those kinds of jobs. She said New Hampshire has a significant life sciences industry, as well as optics, and the new additions bring the program into the 21st century.

“Almost any industry is going to need these highly technical skills that are being delivered right here on the state campus,” she said.

Kulakovich said a quick job search related to robotics will produce a lot of options.

“If you go on Glassdoor, or Indeed even, from Plymouth, and search in the 75-mile radius, there's 100 automation jobs in New Hampshire,” he said. “You don't think of it as being an industry within New Hampshire, but it is.”

The program was started in 2021 and is the first robotics program in the state. There are 16 students in the program so far, many who switched in from other courses of study. Because of these transitions, instead of designating students as juniors or seniors, Kulakovich often groups them together as “junior seniors.” He has three of these students, and says they are already working in the industry.

“All of my seniors work full time in the industry and take time off to take class,” he said. “That's how hungry the industry is for graduates.”

Alexander Gagne, 20, a sophomore in the robotics program, said he's had a great experience so far. Gagne was interested in robotics in high school, competing in FIRST Robotics. Gagne, from Alton, was attracted to PSU as it's not far from home. With the new additions, he is excited about the future. He thinks the education he's getting at Plymouth State is as good, if not better, than larger schools.

“If you went to some other bigger university for robotics, you're just going to be some number. The big seller for Plymouth is that you get to know your professor,” he said. “And you're not just learning, you're having fun, too, which is great.”