During the recent IMTS event in Chicago, Sandvik Coromant helped light up the Chicago skyline with insightful images designed to spread the word about the profound impact that data and technology has on the manufacturing industry and people’s daily lives.
The display also included inspirational images depicting the future of digital manufacturing, which were created by Samuel and Erika Flickinger, a brother and sister from Decatur, IL. The two students participated in STEM education “Dream It. Do It.” summer camps created by The Manufacturing Institute, and literally helped ‘flip the switch’ on the light show.
Both students also each received a $1,000 check toward their future education.
“Our goal with this light show was to raise awareness about the amazing opportunities that the use of data is driving in the manufacturing industry, and to honor two very creative students,” said Sean Holt, president of Sandvik Coromant Americas. “We are proud to help raise awareness about the present and future opportunities of digital manufacturing, including the skilled and high paying career options for future generations.”
As part of the campaign, Sandvik Coromant donated $50,000 to The Manufacturing Institute. As a non-profit-organization, the institute enables hundreds of students to take advantage of STEM education opportunities, including a series of special summer camps as part of their “Dream It. Do It” program.
“It has been such a rewarding experience to be involved in an event that places as much value on the future of the manufacturing industry as we do,” said Jennifer McNelly, executive director of The Manufacturing Institute. “This donation will make a big impact for individuals enrolled in our STEM-education initiatives, and give them the tools to have successful futures in the field.”
Original artwork created by student Erika Flickinger is projected onto the Chicago skyline as part of a special light display promoting STEM education and the future of manufacturing during the IMTS Show. (Image courtesy of Sandvik Coromant.)
The winning images were projected onto the walls of the Digital Manufacturing And Design Innovation Institute, a public private partnership located in Chicago that aims to transform American manufacturing to be competitive worldwide through the adoption of advanced digital manufacturing technologies.
For more information on STEM education and the future of manufacturing, visit the Manufacturing Institute and Sandvik Coromant.