Omron Foundation, which coordinates the charitable efforts of the Omron companies in the United States, recently bestowed a $1M gift in support of the University of Michigan-Dearborns new $90M project to build a state-of-the-art environment for engineering students. The global leader in industrial automation solutions also announced a scholarship for UM-Dearborn students in electrical engineering.

Hoffman Estates, IL. - Omron Foundation has announced a gift of $1 million to the University of Michigan-Dearborn for the establishment of a brand-new laboratory inside the universitys Engineering Lab Building (ELB), a $90 million project expected to be complete in 2020. The new Omron Robotics and Human Factors Lab will be an exciting addition to the state-of-the-art building that will provide UM-Dearborn students with a comprehensive, 21st-century engineering education.

Omron Foundation coordinates the charitable efforts of all U.S.-based offices of the Omron Corporation, a global leader and pioneer in automation technology and solutions. Through this generous contribution, Omron demonstrates its commitment to preparing todays engineering students for the challenges of the future.

The universitys new ELB will transform engineering education by combining innovative teaching labs with modern classrooms to cultivate entrepreneurial problem-solving skills as well as technological expertise. Students will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach in an environment rich in collaboration and project-based learning. Cutting-edge labs will let students explore real-world applications in power engineering, robotics, bioengineering, cybersecurity and more.

"Through Omron Foundation, we are delighted to have the opportunity to support this amazing innovation investment at University of Michigan-Dearborn. At Omron we continue to make revolutionary new developments in human robotics harmonization. With the vision and talented research teams ever evolving at UM-Dearborn, we are committed to not just this engineering lab, but the scholarship programs to support future generations of engineers, fortunate enough to study in this impressive new environment," said Nigel Blakeway, Omron Americas Corporation CEO and Omron Foundation President.

Daniel Little, Chancellor of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, is gratified to receive this "historic investment" from Omron Foundation. "Their support is key to this transformative project which will advance our academic programs and expand our capacity for premier research and industry partnerships," says Little.

Omron Foundation is also grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in engineering education. "Were very excited to partner with the University of Michigan-Dearborn on their endeavor to further the learning and advancement of future engineers," says Robb Black, President and CEO of Omron Automation Americas. "Students will be learning the most advanced robotic technologies to further their problem-solving abilities."

In addition to the $1M gift, the Omron Foundation also announced a new scholarship for UM-Dearborn electrical engineering students. This is the Omron Foundations 8th endowed scholarship in electrical engineering with prior endowments established at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Kettering University, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Southern Illinois University, University of Houston, and the University of Illinois at Champaign.

About UM-Dearborn
Founded in 1959 with a gift of just over 200 acres of land and $6.5 million from the Ford Motor Company, University of Michigan-Dearborn is a metropolitan university serving southeastern Michigan, committed to excellence rooted in strong academics, innovative research and programming and civic engagement. The university has over 9,300 students pursuing more than 100 bachelor's, masters, doctoral and professional degrees in liberal arts and sciences, engineering, business, education and health. A top-ranked university with a faculty devoted to teaching, and students committed to achievement, UM-Dearborn has been shaped by its history of partnering with local leaders and communities, and is committed to finding solutions for the challenges that face the region.

The Omron gift supports the ELB as part of the Victors for UM-Dearborn campaign, which is raising funds for student support, educational initiatives, learning environments and faculty support. To date, the campaign has raised more than $42 million, with more than $20 million dedicated to student assistance including 100 new scholarships. For more information about the campaign, or to make a gift to the ELB, visit https://umdearborn.edu/giving or call 313-593-5130.

About OMRON Foundation, Inc.
Founded in 1989, OMRON Foundation, Inc. (OFI) coordinates the charitable efforts of OMRON offices in the US to achieve the greatest positive social impact. The Foundation is funded by OMRON's subsidiaries in the US, which contribute a portion of sales revenue to the Foundation. The Foundation divides its charitable resources among organizations benefiting education, people with disabilities, cultural programs, health, and other social concerns including disaster relief.

About OMRON
OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of "Sensing & Control + Think." Established in 1933, OMRON has about 36,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in 117 countries. The company's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to automotive electronics, social infrastructure systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. For more information, visit OMRON's website: www.omron.com.