Manufacturing automation investments begin with more than a technology search. They begin with a clear understanding of the operational challenge, reliable information about the opportunity and a practical way to evaluate possible solutions.
The Heartland Robotics | MEP Automation Pilot Program helps participating manufacturers investigate a selected production challenge through focused data collection, operational assessment, modeling, simulation and technical guidance.
Through the Heartland Robotics Grant, four Nebraska manufacturers will be selected to participate in fully supported automation improvement projects delivered with industry partners. The program provides a low-risk opportunity for manufacturers to evaluate, validate, and implement automation-focused improvements through two project pathways: (1) Manufacturing Productivity & OEE Assessments, which measure equipment performance, identify hidden capacity, and establish data-driven improvement opportunities, and (2) Digital Twin & Virtual Factory Projects, which use simulation technology to model production changes, test automation concepts, and reduce implementation risk before capital investment. Applications open during the first week of September and close on October 8. Selected manufacturers will participate in one of four grant-funded projects designed to improve productivity, increase capacity, and accelerate manufacturing modernization in Nebraska
Who Should Apply?
Manufacturers looking to:
Increase productivity
Reduce bottlenecks
Evaluate automation opportunities
Improve operational performance
Make data-driven investment decisions
Program Partners
MEASURE. MODEL. DELIVER.
Why this program?
Manufacturers often recognize that a process, line or work cell could perform better. The more difficult questions are:
- Where is capacity being lost?
- Which constraint should be addressed first?
- What data is needed to support an investment decision?
- How might an automation or process change affect throughput?
- What risks should be understood before implementation?
- How will the organization carry the idea through execution?
The pilot program provides a focused environment for examining those questions without beginning with a plant-wide implementation.
Potential pilot pathways
Potential pilot pathways
Focused engagement. Practical business questions.
Manufacturing productivity and OEE proof of concept
Designed to improve visibility into production performance for one selected machine or line.
Potential activities and outputs include:
- Review of the target machine or production line.
- Evaluation of available control systems and data sources.
- Collection of available production data.
- Dashboard visibility into production counts, run time, downtime, performance against goals and OEE.
- Baseline operational metrics.
- Identification of bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
- Summary of findings and recommended next steps.
CTA: Discuss an OEE Pilot
Digital twin and factory simulation pilot
Designed to evaluate a selected bottleneck or manufacturing area through virtual modeling and simulation.
Potential activities and outputs include:
- Definition of one pre-scoped production line, work cell or facility area.
- Current-state model development.
- Calibration against relevant production information.
- Simulation of multiple “what-if” scenarios.
- Evaluation of potential impacts on throughput, resources and cycle times.
- Technical enablement and mentoring.
- Validation findings and an implementation roadmap.+1
The current proposal materials describe a 90-day digital-twin pilot and training model. Final scope, prerequisites and commercial or grant terms should be confirmed for each selected participant before this duration is promoted as a universal program commitment.+1
CTA: Discuss a Digital Twin Pilot
Layout recommendation:
Use two side-by-side pilot cards. Include a short “best fit when…” line beneath each:
- OEE: “You need clearer production visibility and a reliable operating baseline.”
- Digital twin: “You want to evaluate potential changes before modifying the physical operation.”
These “best fit” statements are positioning recommendations rather than formal eligibility criteria.
How participation works
How participation works
From challenge definition to informed next steps
1. Start with a manufacturing challenge
Identify a machine, line, work cell, bottleneck or production question that would benefit from better data or structured evaluation.
2. Confirm the appropriate pilot scope
The team reviews the operational objective, available information, technical requirements and level of involvement needed.
3. Conduct the focused engagement
The selected pilot may involve data collection and visualization, digital modeling, simulation, technical enablement or a combination appropriate to the approved scope.
4. Review findings and next steps
The manufacturer receives and reviews the pilot outputs, findings and recommended next actions.
The OEE proposal identifies manufacturer participation needs including an operations champion, IT support, access to equipment and documentation, relevant personnel and participation in project reviews. The digital-twin proposal identifies internal engineering time and production-data access as company contributions.+1
FAQs
Coming soon.
Manufacturing Productivity Assessment (OEE)
Understand Your Automation Opportunity Before You Invest
Work with Rensenhouse automation experts to evaluate one machine or production line and gain real-time visibility into operational performance.
What You'll Receive
- OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) Measurement
- Production Performance Dashboard
- Downtime & Bottleneck Analysis
- Baseline Productivity Metrics
- Automation Opportunity Assessment
Recommendations for Next Steps
Benefits
- Quantify productivity losses
- Identify high-value automation opportunities
- Build a business case for future investments
- Improve throughput and equipment utilization
Digital Twin Work Cell Pilot
Test Improvements Virtually Before Making Capital Investments
Collaborate with experts from SOLIDWORKS and GoEngineer to develop a digital twin of a selected manufacturing work cell.
What You'll Receive
- Digital Twin Model of a Production Area
- Throughput & Bottleneck Analysis
- “What-If” Scenario Simulations
- Risk-Free Automation Evaluation
- ROI Analysis & Recommendations
- Digital Manufacturing Coaching
Benefits
- Validate automation concepts before implementation
- Reduce project risk and uncertainty
- Optimize layouts, workflows, and resources
- Build internal digital manufacturing capabilities
