Even as he was celebrating the opening of Phase II of the Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Decatur, Gov. Robert Bentley renewed his campaign promise to fund the third phase of the ambitious project.
The first phase of the project, which opened last November, is a training center for technicians working in industries that use robotics.
The second phase, unveiled in August, is an Advanced Technology Research and Development Center designed to serve clients, like NASA and the U.S. Army Missile Command, who may want to develop and test automation technology.
The third phase, with an as-yet-unfunded price tag of about $8 million, is designed for collaboration between higher education and industry. The facility will allow businesses to design, test and adapt robotic elements for their production lines.
Bentley promised those attending the Phase II grand opening that funds for Phase III would be found soon.
By Nedra Bloom
