Talk to highlight how Penn State helps manufacturers use AI and machine learning

DUNMORE, Pa. — An upcoming TEC Talk forum co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) and Penn State Scranton aims to assist regional small- to medium-size manufacturers in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning into their processes. TEC stands for "technology-economy-community."

The talk will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Penn State Scranton. It is free of charge and will feature examples of University-industry partnerships with Penn State's Center for Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Industry (AIMI), the Penn State Nittany AI Alliance and Penn State Scranton’s own Information Systems Technology and Mechanical Engineering programs.

A full agenda, speaker information and reservation link can be found at: "TEC Talk: Advancing Industry 5.0 with University Partnerships — PennTAP."

Speakers will include Soundar KumaraAndy GattoMajid Chatsaz and Fred AebliDon Webster will facilitate.

Kumara is Allen E. and Allen M. Pearce Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and director of AIMI; Gatto is strategic partner manager of the Nittany AI Alliance; Chatsaz is Mechanical Engineering Program coordinator and assistant professor of engineering at Penn State Scranton; Aebli is Information Technology Program co-coordinator (internships), instructor/adviser at Penn State Scranton; and Webster is executive director, tecBRIDGE.

”This is shaping up to be a great conversation that will help local manufacturers and other small businesses demystify AI and feel confident that their technology goals are attainable," said Krista L. Schneider, LEED green associate and PennTAP technical adviser. "It will also help them understand that there are many ways to engage with the University based on business type, size and individual technology needs. We need to understand what those needs are to find the right fit so Penn State can be a purposeful partner in our region’s economic development.”

Coffee and a light breakfast starts at 8:15 AM. Following the forum, Marwan Wafa, Penn State Scranton Chancellor, and John Drake, director of Penn State Scranton’s Center for Business Development and Community Outreach, will host a tour of the campus’ new Engineering Building and its state-of-the-art, hands-on labs, where faculty and students will work together on real-life projects.

“Penn State Scranton prides itself on being a resource to the local community and is always looking for new opportunities to provide educational services, technical assistance and resources to businesses and industry in northeastern Pennsylvania,” Wafa said. “We are looking forward to hosting this TEC Talk forum and look forward to hosting additional events of this type in the future."

PennTAP at Penn State is a federal, state and University partnership to stimulate economic development. Its statewide network of expert technical advisers helps organizations maximize their competitiveness through in-person and virtual consultations, unbiased technical advice, online educational resources, and connections to Penn State experts, resources and programs.

The Penn State Nittany AI Alliance teams with industry partners to create meaningful student engagement opportunities focused on new artificial intelligence solutions, services and outreach projects.

Penn State’s Center for the Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Industry works with industry partners to explore innovative ways to leverage AI in their operations and discover new sources of funding for rapid prototyping or piloting of AI projects.

Penn State Scranton is a full-service campus offering 14 bachelor degrees, four associate degrees, a master’s degree for nurse practitioners, and the first two years of more than 275 Penn State degrees. The campus’ Center for Business Development and Community Outreach offers a variety of professional certification and customized workforce development programs based on the community’s corporate, industrial and manufacturing needs, as well as SAT Prep courses and summer youth programs.