Siemens and the University of Cincinnati have announced a partnership to establish an innovative simulation and modeling center enabled with Siemens product lifecycle management (PLM) software. Housed on UC's main campus in its College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), the Siemens PLM Simulation Technology Center will be a hub for developing and applying new methodologies and technologies in engineering education and research in all aspects of PLM. Through a significant pledge from Siemens of up to $1 million, as well as Siemens' staff support and additional PLM software, this partnership will enhance experiential learning opportunities for students in UC's CEAS.

"As manufacturing companies worldwide move closer to Industry 4.0, it is more important than ever for academic institutions and educators to move beyond only CAD software and embed digitalization into their curriculum," said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. "The Siemens PLM Simulation Technology Center will help establish the connection between academia and industry to develop future employees for the digital enterprise."

CEAS faculty led by Dr. Jay Kim, Department Head of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and Dr. Sam Anand, a professor of Mechanical Engineering who will also serve as the operational director of the Center, will work with Siemens PLM Software staff to educate and train up to 500 students over five years at the center. Through this close collaboration, a transformational change in undergraduate engineering and applied science curricula is expected, which will incorporate CAD, Digital Design & Manufacturing and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) from early year courses to multi-year projects with global multi-disciplinary teams in upper-level courses.

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