UMaine and Kepware unveil new undergraduate lab

The University of Maine and the Portland-based Kepware Technologies unveiled the Kepware Digital Systems and Robotics Laboratory in Barrows Hall on Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This laboratory demonstrates Kepware’s commitment to educating the next generation of electrical engineers and to the state of Maine,” Dana Humphrey, UMaine Dean of Engineering, said in a statement. “In this lab, students will put automaton design into practice — the heart of an electrical engineer’s education. The University of Maine is very grateful for this partnership with Kepware.”

The new lab will offer hands-on classes through the university’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering by providing students with hardware and software development tools to design and interact with real-world devices.

“At Kepware, we believe that a vibrant, transparent and functional work space inspires forward-thinking, curious, creative and engaged employees,” Brett Austin, Kepware Senior Vice President, said in a release. “The new lab at Barrows Hall is a reflection of the beautiful work space and culture Kepware has built in Portland. We’re honored that UMaine has allowed us to share this vision with its students — and grateful to have an innovative university in Maine that recognizes the impact of design on student’s ability to learn and collaborate with one another.”

Founded in 1995, Kepware serves customers in more than 120 countries in such industries as manufacturing, oil and gas, building automation, and power and utilities. The company was purchased by Needham, Mass.-based PTC Inc. in early 2016 for $110 million.

Susan Hunter will remain as UMaine flagship president through 2018