University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Connected Systems Institute

Pushing the Boundaries of the Industrial Internet of Things

This project provides a pre-design for an approximately 10,000-SF remodeling of the first floor, east wing of Golda Meir Library for Connected Systems Institute to be constructed in two phases. The pre-design will help to identify scope, budget and schedule for the entire project. This project will also construct the phase one scope of work that may be approximately 3,000-SF, and can be completed within the initial budget. The construction of phase two will complete design and construction of the remodeling.

The pre-design phase will assess the programmatic needs for the Connected Systems Institute and conceptual program for future phases. It will provide space for the institute, support and public access. It will address HVAC, electrical, IT, plumbing of this space and future phases. It will develop design solution alternatives and budgets within the campus funding capacity. The predesign will recommend a scope, budget and schedule to proceed with. Phase two will complete design and construction of the remodeling.

Industry partners Rockwell Automation and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp, WEDC provided donations in 2018 to form the Connected Systems Institute, CSI – with a focus on the Industrial Internet of Things, IIoT. The university began planning the Connected Systems Institute in 2016 after a meeting with Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella, a UWM graduate. University officials are continuing to finalize the details of that arrangement.

Rockwell Automation and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp, WEDC partnered with UWM to form the Connected Systems Institute, CSI – focusing on the Industrial Internet of Things, IIoT. This is a groundbreaking endeavor. The IIoT is a technological evolution that is infiltrating every facet of our lives, and it has powerful implications for all industrial sectors. The multidisciplinary Connected Systems Institute will focus on the Industrial Internet of Things, which uses sensors to gather data from equipment, machines, and manufactured products through secure data networks to help companies improve efficiency, reliability and lower costs. The CSI will build on existing collaborations between UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science and its Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business, along with other academic units at UWM and other UW System universities. By providing undergraduate, graduate, professional, and executive education, research and programs, the institute will develop talent, expertise and solutions to lead companies to greater productivity through IIoT technologies and applications. The CSI will serve as a central point where industry representatives and scholars can collaborate on IIoT technologies. The center will feature a simulation lab that allows companies to test end-to-end production solutions and is the first large-scale public-private partnership (P3) in the U.S. to connect industry, academic institutions, government and nonprofits in the industry. This emerging technology will be essential to businesses across the state.

This project is critical to Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry. It will be a game-changer for businesses in southeastern Wisconsin and the entire state.