Purdue University Partners with Rittal and Eplan to Revolutionize Smart Manufacturing Education

In a significant move for the future of industrial education, Purdue Polytechnic has announced a pivotal partnership with Rittal and Eplan, two leading figures in the realm of industrial automation and electrical engineering. This collaboration, solidified during a management meeting in Germany on July 14, 2025, aims to reshape the educational landscape for students pursuing careers in smart manufacturing. As a part of this five-year partnership, Purdue will integrate into the Rittal + Eplan Partner Network (REPN), thus strengthening its commitment to preparing students for the demands of Industry 4.0.

The cooperative engagement will provide Purdue students with access to a wealth of resources, including numerous Eplan software licenses, which are critical in the electrical engineering domain. Additionally, Rittal and Eplan will invest in constructing an Eplan Electrical Engineering Technology Projects Lab at Purdue's Dudley Hall, allowing students to engage directly with cutting-edge technologies in automation and fabrication.

This partnership is designed not only for the benefit of Purdue’s student body and faculty but also to create a talent pipeline for the industry. By equipping students with hands-on experience using the Eplan Platform and Rittal’s automation systems, the initiative aims to ensure that graduates are industry-ready, possessing the crucial skills and knowledge required by modern industries. Daniel Castro, Dean of Purdue Polytechnic, emphasized the mission of the partnership, stating, "Purdue Polytechnic has always sought to prepare new generations for tech-driven industries, and this partnership is the perfect embodiment of that mission."

The engagement between these institutions reflects a commitment to fostering innovation in education and aligns with Rittal and Eplan’s aspirations to invest in the future workforce of the United States. Prof. Dr. Niko Mohr, CEO of Rittal and Executive Board Member for Strategy/Transformation/AI at the Friedhelm Loh Group, highlighted the synergy between Purdue’s educational ethos and the companies' mission. He remarked on the importance of understanding data-driven automation in developing the next wave of industrial innovations, underscoring the critical need for skilled talent in light of imminent labor shortages.

Currently, students at Purdue are already experiencing practical implications of this partnership. This fall, they will embark on a capstone project that will be showcased at the Rockwell Automation Fair, an event sponsored by Rittal and Eplan. More than 100 Purdue students will have the opportunity to network with industry executives at this national event, fostering relationships that could lead to future employment opportunities.

In addition to direct hands-on experiences, the partnership is set to enhance educational frameworks through scholarships and internships, which will further solidify the connection between the academia and industry while promoting joint research initiatives. Plans also include extending engagement to the Purdue Polytechnic High School network.

Purdue Polytechnic, as one of the ten colleges at Purdue University, champions a hands-on learning approach across diverse technology-focused disciplines. This partnership significantly enriches the academic environment, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead within their fields. Rittal, recognized globally for their systems and services in industrial IT infrastructure, along with Eplan, renowned for their advanced design software, proudly contribute to establishing a robust educational ecosystem that empowers the next generation of engineers and technical leaders.

As the partnership unfolds, it promises to bring forth not just innovative educational methodologies but also to nurture a skilled workforce poised to tackle the future challenges within various industries. This collaboration illustrates a forward-thinking model that both prepares students for immediate impact in their careers and addresses the broader needs of the economy for growth and transformation.