STC graduate helps shape AI future in manufacturing
STC graduate helps shape AI future in manufacturing
https://news.southtexascollege.edu/stc-graduate-helps-shape-ai-future-in-manufacturing/
Publish Date: 2026-05-22 10:47:00
Source Domain: news.southtexascollege.edu
“I was lost. I didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I saw Mechatronics and Robotics on the homepage of the website and thought that it seemed interesting. It was only a one-year certificate, so I decided to try it.”
STC faculty members say Leal’s journey reflects rapid evolution taking place within manufacturing education as AI becomes increasingly integrated into the industry.
During her presentation, Leal’s project to industry professionals focused on predictive maintenance for electric motors. Using data such as temperature, torque, RPMs and noise levels, her team trained an AI model designed to predict when equipment might fail before a breakdown occurs.
Through her presentation partner, they then created a mobile app where they gathered data and trained the AI so it could predict when something was going to fail, Leal said.
“Students, including Leal learned the entire process of applied artificial intelligence, from problem scoping all the way to deployment. That’s what matters most,” said AMT Department Chair Erika Guerra.
The project drew significant interest from local manufacturers attending the presentations, many of whom are still exploring how AI can be incorporated into their operations, Guerra said.
She added that industry representatives are eager to collaborate with students like Leal after seeing firsthand how applied AI could improve efficiency, reduce waste and support preventative maintenance efforts.
“Some companies are just now realizing how AI can help them,” Guerra said. “Once they saw the student presentations, it immediately clicked for them.”
The AI in Manufacturing course launched through a partnership between STC and Intel, is helping position the college among the first institutions in the region to offer applied AI training specifically for manufacturing students.
Leal said the skills she gained at STC are already helping her in the workplace as she shadows engineers, assists with automation…
