‘The Maine Question’ explores using robotics in manufacturing

Robots are coming — or in some cases, have come — to Maine but not to destroy civilization like in the movies. They’re here to help, specifically to help Maine manufacturing companies modernize and become more productive.

The University of Maine Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) is helping manufacturers in the state integrate new robotics, such as AI, machine learning and automation technologies, into their operations. These mechanical helpers can take care of the three “D’s” in manufacturing — work that is dull, dirty or dangerous. They don’t get bored, can’t be overworked and aren’t subject to injury.

In this episode of “The Maine Question” podcast, John Belding, director of the AMC, and guests Brad Denholm, associate director of workforce development at the AMC, Ryan Lindsay, operations engineer at Ntension, and Peter Birch, mechanical engineering student and assistant at the AMC, explore Maine’s future of advanced manufacturing with robotics.

Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube or “The Maine Question” website. 

What topics would you like to learn more about? What questions do you have for UMaine experts? Email them to mainequestion@maine.edu.