For ������Ƶ senior Scotty Grunwald ’26, an electrical engineering major from Riverview, Michigan, engineering has always been about more than theory — it’s about building real solutions. When he encountered the University’s newest robotic cell, he gained another opportunity to work hands-on with Kettering’s state-of-the-art robotic system, built in collaboration with Patti Engineering, Mitsubishi Electric, and Keyence Corporation.

“This was my first real attempt at a full automation system,” Grunwald said. “It was a lot harder than it looks on paper, but that’s what made it so valuable.”

The robotic cell, installed in Kettering’s engineering lab, gives students direct experience in programming and debugging industrial automation. Featuring an industrial robot and a collaborative robot, the cell performs pick-and-place operations, complete with a 3D vision system and industrial robot for unstructured material arrival, as well as the collaborative robot and a stationary camera for inspection. A flexible code base allows students to modify programming and test their solutions while safety features remain locked in place. The result is a hands-on learning tool that mirrors state-of-the-art challenges met with the precision of real-world manufacturing automation.

“Our students want to work on things that are meaningful,” said ������Ƶ lecturer Andrew Watchorn. “This system puts cutting-edge automation technology in front of them, allowing them to see the impact of their problem-solving in real-time. That hands-on experience builds deep expertise — the kind that sets Kettering graduates apart in industry.”

The vision for the robotic cell began with Sam Hoff ’90, CEO of Patti Engineering. As a Kettering alumnus, Hoff knows firsthand the power of hands-on education and saw an opportunity to give students an advantage in automation and robotics. He approached Mitsubishi Electric with the idea, and together with Keyence, BorgWarner, and Kettering faculty, they brought the concept to life.

“We are proud to support ������Ƶ’s engineering students by providing this state-of-the-art robotic cell,” Hoff said. “This tool will offer invaluable practical experience and help equip students with the skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and automation.”

For Grunwald, the experience was transformative. Although his early interests leaned toward circuit design and programming, working with the robotic cell changed how he thought about automation.

“This project definitely gave me an edge in the job market,” he said. “I can say, ‘I’ve worked with Mitsubishi PLCs before. I’ve programmed Mitsubishi robots.’ Even working with HMIs [human-machine interfaces] — it all adds to my portfolio and sets me apart.”

Few students outside of Kettering gain that competitive edge. Grunwald frequently compares notes with friends from other universities, many of whom lack access to industrial-grade automation systems.

“None of them really have experience with anything purely automation-based,” he said. “They might have a small robot in a lab, but nothing like this — nothing that could go straight into an industrial environment.”

������Ƶ is known for shaping the leaders who tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges, and Giovanni Cavataio ’25 is proving that legacy true. A senior double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry, Giovanni is spearheading critical research into how microplastics infiltrate plant matter and, in turn, potentially enter our food supply. His innovative work aims to pave the way for more comprehensive studies.

Microplastics, the microscopic remnants of larger plastic waste, are becoming an increasing concern for environmental health. While the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems has been widely studied, their presence in plants is less understood — and the exact health effects of microplastics are still largely unknown. Giovanni’s work is set to change that.

In state-of-the-art labs at Kettering, Giovanni meticulously analyzes plant samples under a fluorescence microscope, revealing the concentration and distribution of microplastics in various plant tissues — stems, leaves, and flowers. To filter out the microplastic, he uses a chemical solution to break down plant cells, making them visible for analysis.

Giovanni has a clear hypothesis that drives his research: Plant stems will exhibit higher concentrations of microplastics than other parts like the leaves and flowers. His reasoning is simple: Plant stems have extensive vascular systems, allowing them to trap more microplastics. But simple or not, the impact of Giovanni’s research extends far beyond the laboratory and right to the food on our dinner plates. Since plants are a significant part of our diet and are consumed by livestock we eat, understanding microplastic contamination in plants is vital for assessing potential risks to human health.

“We don't fully understand the severity or how exactly microplastics impact biological function, but this research is helping us to better move forward in determining how to deal with the situation,” Giovanni says. “You can't really get microplastics out of the ecosystem. The best thing that we can do is try to prevent them from contaminating future organisms.”

As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by microplastics, studies like Giovanni’s remind us of the importance of innovation in protecting our planet and our health.

������Ƶ has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to enhance its Intelligent Transportation Laboratory (ITL). This funding will support the transformation of existing lab, research and classroom space into a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advanced transportation research and education. 

The ITL is designed to be a hub for hands-on learning and experimentation, particularly focused on vehicle dynamics and performance testing. The lab will provide invaluable physical testing capabilities for validating mathematical models and reinforcing theoretical knowledge through practical application.

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Kettering, played a key role in developing the proposal for the ITL. Her expertise in vehicle dynamics, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is critical to the lab's focus. Dr. Bastiaan, alongside Dr. Gregory Davis and Dr. Arnaldo Mazzei, who specialize in vehicle propulsion systems and chassis design, respectively, crafted a vision for a lab that integrates cutting-edge technology and learning.

"The generous gift of the Margaret Dunning Foundation will support the development of the Intelligent Transportation Laboratory, a collaborative facility dedicated to research and teaching in advanced mobility," said Dr. Bastiaan. "Once fully commissioned, the ITL will be used by about 150 undergraduate and graduate students annually. These students will benefit from acquiring knowledge in modern transportation technology and state-of-the-art measurement systems during their academic programs and future industry careers."

The Margaret Dunning Foundation, through its support, aims to foster the next generation of automotive and transportation professionals. "������Ƶ is a great partner for this endeavor as so many of its students follow a career path into the industry," remarked Renee Sovis, Program Officer at the Margaret Dunning Foundation. "The Dunning Foundation was happy to support renovations in the Intelligent Transportation Lab, which will be used by engineering students for research and testing."

This new facility enhances the educational landscape at ������Ƶ and strengthens its commitment to advancing automotive and transportation knowledge and innovation.