Engineering students at the University of Michigan - Dearborn are using new Computer Integrated Manufacturing facilities that enhance the existing Manufacturing Systems Laboratory. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is a challenging multidisciplinary concept requiring advanced computer technology, software engineering skills, and computer networking. This project involves the integration of manufacturing cells with existing CAD/CAM and simulation laboratories. To complete the CIM environment experience, use of CAD/CAM simulation software is also part of the laboratory experiments. The additions make possible two new courses on Computer Aided Engineering and Systems Integration, and enhance the laboratory teaching of more than ten other engineering courses.
