Rockwell Automation and UWM CSI Expand Collaboration to Shape the Future of Manufacturing in the Region

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced it has reaffirmed its founding partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Connected Systems Institute with a $1 million commitment over the next five years, along with continued strategic contributions.

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Rockwell Automation smart factory at the Connected Systems Institute.

Rockwell, a founding member of the CSI, has invested $5 million since 2017, including hardware, software and engineering expertise. This renewed collaboration reflects a shared vision: empowering the future manufacturing workforce and driving innovation through education and industry partnerships.

Preparing talent for the future of manufacturing

The commitment comes as Rockwell plans a new one-million-square-foot manufacturing site in Southeast Wisconsin, part of a $2 billion investment in plants, digital infrastructure, and talent. With onshoring and technology advancements accelerating, the need for skilled talent has never been greater.

“As a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, Rockwell is committed to shaping the future of manufacturing,” said Tessa Myers, senior vice president, Intelligent Devices, Rockwell Automation, and Executive Sponsor for the relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “By combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on learning, CSI is developing the talent, expertise, and solutions to lead the workforce of tomorrow.”

The future of industrial operations depends on systems that adapt and learn, powered by AI, robotics, and software-defined automation. These technologies succeed only when paired with skilled people ready to lead the transformation. Scaling digital transformation starts with people.

“Southeast Wisconsin has long been home to a large manufacturing ecosystem that embraces technology and innovation,” Myers said. “This is the perfect place to develop talent and grow the skilled workforce because we have the partnerships and mindset to support it.”

Driving innovation through partnerships

The CSI focuses on the industrial internet of things (IIoT), which uses sensors to gather data from equipment, machines, and manufactured products through secure data networks. It brings together UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science and its Lubar College of Business, other academic units and other Universities of Wisconsin institutions. In June, the CSI became home to the Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab, the first of its kind in higher education and the first dedicated to manufacturing.