Purdue, Rittal, and Eplan in Strategic Collaboration for Smart Manufacturing and Engineering Education

[Erkan Teskancan]

Purdue University, Rittal, and Eplan have taken a significant step towards preparing for industrial transformation by collaborating on smart manufacturing and engineering education. This five-year strategic partnership, focused on Purdue's Polytechnic Institute, aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need in the future industrial revolution.

As part of the partnership, two new laboratories will be established on the Purdue campus: the Eplan Electrical Engineering Projects Lab and the Rittal Automation Systems Lab. Here, students will gain practical experience by examining data-driven processes in plant engineering, cable assembly, and wiring. The collaboration will provide students with access to integrated hardware and software that are leaders in the automation and manufacturing sectors.

### Scope of Collaboration and Educational Opportunities

• Eplan software licenses will be provided to Purdue students and faculty
• Internship and scholarship opportunities will be created
• Joint R&D projects will be developed
• The collaboration may also include the Purdue Polytechnic High School network
• Additional investments will be made by Rittal and Eplan

Daniel Castro, Dean of Purdue Polytechnic, stated, "This partnership is a reflection of our mission to prepare the next generation for technology-driven industries. By integrating Rittal and Eplan's world-class solutions into our curriculum, students will gain practical skills beyond theory."

### Sectoral Contributions and Future Vision
The partnership will both create a skilled workforce for the industry and provide students with direct experience with leading technologies in the field. Students will master industrial processes through the Eplan platform and Rittal automation systems.

For Rittal and Eplan, this collaboration represents a significant investment in the future of the US workforce and an opportunity for cooperation in innovative research. The companies are excited to bring their European science and education connections to the US.

Sebastian Seitz, CEO of Eplan, said, "Purdue Polytechnic's focus on integrating students directly into the industry makes this collaboration perfect. Our students will be the engineers who bring the new wave of industrial innovation to the US economy."

Seitz added, "A deep understanding of data-driven automation is key to economic growth, especially during this period of skilled labor shortages. This partnership lays a solid foundation for creating real-world value with industrial AI."

### Opportunities Provided to Purdue Students
Students developed a significant capstone project last fall, which was presented at an international event attended by senior executives from the industry. Additionally, Rittal and Eplan executives will serve on the Purdue Polytechnic Dean's Advisory Council to strengthen the collaboration.

### Eplan Software and Services
Eplan offers software and service solutions in electrical, automation, and mechatronics engineering. Developing one of the leading design software for machine and panel builders, Eplan simplifies complex engineering processes. By providing standard and customized interfaces with ERP and PLM/PDM systems, it ensures data consistency across the entire value chain. Supporting 65,000 customers worldwide, Eplan aims to advance integration and automation in engineering.