Toyota Material develops forklift learning lab for engineering students
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Columbus-based Toyota Material Handling has unveiled what is described as the world’s first forklift learning studio, which will give engineering students experience in the mechanical lifting space. TMH partnered with Cornell University’s College of Engineering to create the state-of-the-art studio.
The partners say THM products, components and technology will bridge a gap between classroom coursework and practical hands-on learning. They said the students will be able to explore engineering principles, such as hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and transmissions.
“I wish I had a learning studio like this when I was studying mechanical engineering many years ago,” said Brett Wood, Toyota Material Handing North America President & CEO. “To be able to get your hands on a commercial product and learn about direct applications for engineering theory and principles would’ve been a life-changing experience.”
Toyota Forklift and Cornell say students who take advantage of the lab will benefit from seeing how complex systems and individual components interact in one place, giving them a holistic perspective of the engineering process.
“Young people often wonder how they’ll use certain theories in their professional lives because it’s often difficult to connect the dots. In the innovative Toyota Forklift Learning Studio, all of the ‘dots’ will exist in the same space as the finished product,” said Wood.
The partners think this be a model for other universities.
TMH says in additional to the educational aspect of the program, the students will how the forklift industry is critical to the nation’s supply chain.