Key Takeaways
- FANUC’s new Training Academy in Auburn Hills, MI, is the largest corporate robotics‑training campus in the U.S. (132,000 sq ft, $18 M investment).
- Training space has more than double the classrooms of the former Rochester Hills site (28 vs. 13).
- The academy can host ≈17,500 participants per year, with 160+ robots and 40+ CNC simulators on‑site.
- FANUC’s broader education program (CERT) reaches 1,700+ schools and ~60,000 students annually across North America.
- A future customer‑support call center is slated for 2027, adding long‑term value to the campus.
Overview
FANUC America unveiled the FANUC Training Academy, a three‑story complex on its West Campus in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The center marks a strategic expansion from the company’s earlier training room in Rochester Hills and aligns with FANUC’s $90 million Michigan manufacturing build‑out announced earlier this year.
Facility Specs
| Attribute | Previous Rochester Hills Facility | New Auburn Hills Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Total footprint | ~70,000 sq ft (est.) | 132,000 sq ft |
| Dedicated training area | 30,000 sq ft | 56,300 sq ft |
| Classrooms | 13 | 28 |
| Robots on‑site | ~70 | >160 |
| CNC simulators | 20 | >40 |
| Annual participant capacity | ~8,000 | ≈17,500 |
| Investment cost | $9 M (approx.) | $18 M |
| Parking spaces | 150 | 350 (incl. 200 new) |
| Additional amenities | Small break area | Full‑service cafeteria, future call‑center space |
The academy’s 56,300 sq ft of training floor accommodates hands‑on robot programming, CNC machining, and automation system integration. A modern cafeteria and expanded parking improve the overall learner experience.
Training Capacity & Technology
- Robots: Over 160 industrial robots spanning FANUC’s collaborative (CR) and heavy‑payload (M‑Series) families, enabling trainees to practice pick‑and‑place, welding, and machining applications.
- CNC Simulators: More than 40 high‑fidelity simulators replicate FANUC’s i series controllers, allowing engineers to validate toolpaths without consuming shop floor time.
- Classroom Variety: 28 configurable rooms support lecture‑style instruction, virtual reality (VR) labs, and small‑group troubleshooting sessions.
The combined resources allow the academy to train roughly 17,500 technicians, engineers, educators, and students each year, effectively doubling the throughput of the prior site.
Educational Outreach (CERT Program)
FANUC’s Certified Education Training (CERT) initiative extends beyond the academy walls:
- 1,700+ partner schools across the United States and Canada.
- ~60,000 students engage annually in curricula covering robotics, CNC machining, and smart‑factory concepts.
- Curriculum kits include FANUC robot arms, PLCs, and simulation software, ensuring a consistent learning platform from K‑12 to post‑secondary programs.
This network positions FANUC as a primary talent pipeline for the U.S. automation sector.
Construction, Local Impact & Future Plans
The project was executed under a “Michigan‑first” construction model, led by Frank Rewold & Sons and supported by a cadre of local subcontractors. Highlights include:
- Job creation: Approximately 120 construction jobs during the build phase.
- Economic stimulus: $18 M injected into Michigan’s manufacturing and services ecosystem.
- Future expansion: Space allocated for a customer‑support call center, scheduled to open in 2027, will further integrate training with real‑time service operations.
Bottom Line
FANUC’s $18 million Training Academy dramatically upgrades U.S. robotics education capacity, offering double the classrooms, twice the annual participants, and a robust inventory of robots and CNC simulators. Coupled with the company’s extensive CERT program, the facility strengthens the domestic talent pipeline essential for sustaining America’s competitive edge in industrial automation. The academy not only serves immediate workforce needs but also anchors FANUC’s long‑term commitment to Michigan’s manufacturing renaissance.
