MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
BY JOANNA LEON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CICMHE
Last year, the College‑Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE) was buzzing with activity aimed at strengthening the bond between academia and the material handling industry.
A standout event was the Material Handling Teachers Institute (MHTI), held at North Carolina State University in Raleigh last July and led by Lauren David, PhD, North Carolina A&T State University. This gathering brought educators together to share insights and strategies for teaching material handling concepts.
In October, the Fall MHI Annual Conference Call highlighted several key initiatives:
- Website enhancements: Fabio Sgarbossa, PhD, Eng, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, led efforts to revamp the CICMHE website, focusing on updating the Taxonomy section and exploring collaborations with industry groups.
- White papers on robotics: Sadan Kulturel‑Konak, PhD, Penn State Berks, presented progress on white papers analyzing three years of data on companies adopting robotics. A first draft is expected soon.
- Student engagement: Christine Nguyen, PhD, Northern Illinois University reported a record 16 submissions from 10 institutions for the Capstone Design Competition, the highest participation to date.
These initiatives underscore CICMHE’s commitment to advancing material handling education and fostering industry connections.
Looking Ahead to 2025: New Opportunities and Events
The upcoming year promises a slate of events and projects designed to further CICMHE’s mission:
- Student Day 2025: Scheduled for March 19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place during ProMat, Student Day is organized in partnership with CICMHE, the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) and the Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI). This event offers guided show floor tours to inspire students to explore careers in material handling and supply chain industries.
- International Material Handling Research Colloquium (IMHRC): Fabio Sgarbossa announced that the call for extended abstracts is live, with submissions due by December 15. The colloquium provides a platform for academic researchers to present their work and engage with industry leaders.
- Industry Group collaborations: Michael Kuhl, PhD, Rochester Institute of Technology, is spearheading efforts to organize meet‑and-greet sessions with various industry groups to identify research opportunities and curriculum enhancements that align with industry needs.
These initiatives reflect CICMHE’s dedication to bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice, ensuring educational programs remain relevant and forward‑thinking.
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