Fort Smith Builds Its Future Workforce: UAFS Expands Hands-On Robotics and Automation Training

The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS) is making a major investment in preparing students for the region’s rapidly evolving manufacturing workforce. UAFS has upgraded its Advanced Manufacturing Lab with new robotics and automation equipment, giving students direct, hands-on experience with the same systems used inside modern industrial facilities.

The upgrades were funded through the HIRED workforce development grant, which provided $4.7 million to purchase two automated assembly systems and three collaborative robot (cobot) flex trainers. An additional $1 million from the Arkansas Department of Education is supporting facility renovations and the hiring of new technical staff.

“Manufacturing is the heartbeat of the Fort Smith economy,” said Latisha Settlage, Dean of the College of Business and Industry. “When we invest in workforce training, we are investing directly in the economic health and future of this community.”

The new systems are intentionally designed to mirror industry equipment found in local factories. Students can train on scaled-down production lines where instructors can introduce real faults and errors, requiring students to troubleshoot, diagnose, and restore operations—just as they would on the job.

Lab Manager Jared Schluterman, who previously worked in Fort Smith’s manufacturing sector, emphasized that this approach gives students practical readiness from day one.
“Companies are integrating automation and AI at a fast pace to increase productivity,” he said. “By learning with these systems now, our students can step into those environments with confidence.”

UAFS plans to continue expanding the program, with future additions including RTS-200 robotic training systems, artificial intelligence modules, and augmented reality tools to support digital manufacturing skills.

Schluterman noted that hands-on experience is key:
“There will always be challenges on a production line. Here, students learn to solve problems in a controlled environment—so when they enter the workforce, they’re ready to hit the ground running.”

With these investments, UAFS is strengthening the region’s industrial talent pipeline—and reinforcing Fort Smith’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing.