U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin visited the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Sept. 24 to tour the Connected Systems Institute and explore cutting-edge artificial intelligence research at the Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab.
The visit brought together faculty, students and industry leaders to showcase how UWM is driving innovation in advanced manufacturing and preparing Wisconsin’s workforce for the future.
Baldwin’s tour highlighted the transformative work happening at CSI, where students are gaining hands-on experience with automation technologies, including robotics and digital twin solutions, in collaboration with industry partners like Rockwell Automation and Regal Rexnord. The institute’s automated manufacturing testbed and continuous improvement-focused AI projects were on full display, demonstrating how UWM is aligning education with real-world industry needs.
“Wisconsin has a rich history of innovation, backed by world-class universities that get Wisconsinites the knowledge they need to land a good paying job and fuel tomorrow’s economy,” Baldwin said.
The Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab, which opened in June, has already produced success stories in its work with about 25 companies to date. Wisconsin based manufacturer Regal Rexnord, which recently partnered with CSI, shared how AI-driven solutions developed at the lab helped streamline operations and improve productivity. CSI’s hack-a-thon model, supported by Rockwell Automation and other industry partners, was also showcased as a high-impact approach to student engagement and industry collaboration.
“CSI is not just a research hub, it’s a launchpad for student careers and industry transformation,” said Joe Hamann, executive director of CSI. “Our students are solving real problems, and our partnerships are creating pathways to innovation in manufacturing across Wisconsin.”
The tour also included discussions on how federal funding can further support UWM’s research initiatives, including Department of Defense-related projects such as battery testing and cybersecurity compliance. Baldwin engaged with faculty and students on emerging research themes and expressed interest in expanding federal support for institutions like UWM.
“It was great to be on campus and able to meet with students, staff, and faculty who are working to strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive edge in industries that will only continue to grow,” Baldwin added.
The visit underscored the importance of continued investment in experiential education, with CSI serving as a model for industry-academic collaboration. Projects funded by a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant from summer 2025 were also highlighted, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering innovation.
