#United States #Atlanta #Robotics #FANUC #SkillsUSA

FANUC America to Expand Workforce Development Initiatives at SkillsUSA 2026

FANUC America is excited to announce its enhanced commitment to workforce development at the upcoming SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, taking place from June 1-5, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. This year's event promises to be significant as FANUC expands its presence and support for technical education and skills development.

Key Highlights of FANUC's Participation

This year, FANUC will establish a prominent Booth #806 at the conference, where it will engage in various activities aimed at bolstering technical education among students. Among the exciting initiatives is the donation of a LR Mate 200iD/7LC Clean Room robot along with an R30iB Plus controller to a SkillsUSA member school. This generous contribution illustrates FANUC’s dedication to fostering practical learning opportunities in robotics and automation.

In addition to the robot donation, FANUC will provide its full Certified Education Training (CERT) program. This comprehensive curriculum includes eLearning modules, the use of the ROBOGUIDE simulation software, and offline robot programming tools. Students will have the opportunity to program and test robots in a virtual environment, supported by professional training and certification for instructors. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of skilled workers in the field of advanced manufacturing.

Robotics and Automation Technology Competition

FANUC will also take a leading role in the Robotics and Automation Technology competition. This year’s contest will see participation from a variety of robot manufacturers, all focusing on real-world skills essential for industrial automation. FANUC will specifically oversee the college-age division, while other companies will cover secondary education challenges, ensuring a balanced and fair competition for all participants.

New Robotic Welding Exhibition

A highlight for 2026 is the introduction of a Robotic Welding Exhibition. In collaboration with SkillsUSA, the American Welding Society, Miller Welding, and Hypertherm, this exhibition aims to showcase the future of welding education. Attendees can expect demonstrations featuring FANUC CRX-10iA collaborative robots paired with welding power supply systems. The hands-on experience will be invaluable for students, educators, and industry partners. This initiative is part of a broader vision to establish a future robotic welding competition at SkillsUSA, pending state-level approval.

Paul Aiello, Executive Director of FANUC America CERT Education Group, stated, “Welding remains one of the most in-demand technical skills across manufacturing. By introducing robotic welding at SkillsUSA, we’re assisting students and educators in understanding how traditional skills are evolving and how automation integrates into contemporary production environments.”

Integrated Automation Demonstration

Moreover, FANUC plans to exhibit an integrated automation system that merges a CRX-10iA robot with an autonomous mobile platform. This demonstration will highlight how advanced automation technologies can be seamlessly programmed and operated through one user interface. The goal is to illustrate how modern automation systems are becoming increasingly accessible and adaptable for both educational settings and real-world industry applications.

Commitment to Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline

FANUC’s expanded involvement at SkillsUSA signifies the company’s long-term dedication to creating a sustainable talent pipeline for advanced manufacturing. The conference, which draws thousands of students, educators, and industry leaders, is also an opportunity for FANUC’s manufacturing clients to support and advocate for careers in technical fields.

Continuing its commitment, FANUC aligns its initiatives with national workforce development strategies and global skills competitions like WorldSkills, where robotics and systems integration remain key focus areas.

About FANUC America Corporation

FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION based in Japan. It is renowned for providing cutting-edge CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINEs. With its innovative technologies and expertise, FANUC helps manufacturers across the Americas enhance productivity and profitability. Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, FANUC operates multiple facilities throughout North and South America. For further information, visit www.fanucamerica.com or explore the CRX line of cobots at CRX.FANUCAmerica.com. Connect with FANUC on YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.