Connected Systems Institute (CSI) provides an environment in which teams of researchers from industry and academia can work together to explore concepts related to the application of research in integrated business and manufacturing processes.

The Institute features a fully functional manufacturing cell that utilizes advanced systems, including:

  • Lot size of 1
  • Full track-and-trace per item
  • Use of AI for quality and performance tracking
  • Use of AI for raw materials tracking
  • Robotics and mechatronics programming
  • OT cybersecurity
  • High and low order modeling
  • Digital twin simulation, both locally and remotely
  • Remote access to data generated in the lab

This research environment is designed to nurture an understanding of IIoT manufacturing principles. It also integrates the disciplines of engineering, physics, and business with software, hardware, and firmware solutions. The goal is to provide a place in which creative ideas can be tested and proven – inspiring new functionality and scalability in real-world business applications.

UWM’s world-class faculty contributes expertise in combination with some of the world’s most respected talent from diverse fields. This includes experts in everything from advanced manufacturing systems to the social and business impacts of technology.

Research at CSI is focused on a wide range of advanced technologies, including:

Digital twin graphic
Digital Twins
Digital representations of advanced manufacturing systems that enable real-time simulation and analysis of sensor data from production processes.
Shipping barge with an overlay of industry related icons
Data and Sensor Networks
The study of data and sensor networks used for cloud-based analytics.
A close up of two people looking at charts on a computer
Data Analytics
Platforms that ingest data from sensors and IIoT networks in order to measure key performance indicators (KPIs).
Person in the background with an overlay that says Deep Learning
Machine Learning Development and Integration
Creation of machine learning algorithms to improve KPIs in industrial systems.
Graphic depicting a computer network and cybersecurity
OT Cybersecurity
Research aimed at developing techniques that identify and address security weaknesses and vulnerabilities in production systems.
Graphic depicting ERP integration connections
ERP Integration
Design of a tri-directional link between the manufacturing lab environment, SAP, and Microsoft Azure data layers — enabling the use of analytics to automate laboratory tests.

Learn more about our facilities

Visit our facilities page to learn more about CSI’s manufacturing test bed, digital twin lab, and OT cybersecurity lab or view the videos below to learn more.

CSI Specialization:

CSI focuses on research across the business spectrum, including:

  • Factory Systems Integration
  • Integrated Motion Control
  • Fluid Flow Management
  • IOT Connectivity
  • Integration of Robotics
  • Digital thread/twins