Welcome to the Logan Ranger Exo Arm Project

Logan Ranger Exo Arm Project

Date: 10.26.16

Welcome to the first post for the Logan Ranger Exo Arm Project.


The PLTW-Digital Electronics class at La Crosse Logan High School is partnering with Industrial Automation, Motion Industries, Inc., Schaeffler Group USA, Inc. and Trane of La Crosse to design and build a Repetitive Work Exo Arm. Target date for project completion will be the summer of 2017.

Exoskeletons contain rigid and resistant components that fulfill a set of functional roles including protection, support and as an assistive technology to improve the quality of life. They are fabricated out of steel or aluminum and move with the use of actuators or servo motors. A microcontroller is separately programmed dependent on the function of the exoskeleton.

The students will focus on designing, programming and fabricating an “Exo Arm” with the following targeted goals:
1. Create an authentic engineering learning experience for the students.
2. Design and fabricate an Exo Arm for a repetitive work related job (grinding) in manufacturing.
3. The Exo Arm will relieve the tension and lifting forces that a worker experiences with a grinding operation.

The Exo Arm will be designed and fabricated at Logan High School in the Technology and Engineering Department. Industrial Automation, Motion Industries, Inc., Schaeffler Group USA, Inc and Trane will provide technical support and help define the parameters of the project.

A grant request to help fund the project has been submitted to the La Crosse Public Education Foundation, which in recent years has supported class projects to build remote-operated underwater and aerial vehicles, as well as a self-driving car.

“Working with our business partners to create high level engineering projects of this nature generates a more authentic learning experience for our students.” –Steve Johnston, Logan High School, Technology & Engineering Department.

“Industrial Automation (a Division of Wettstein Brothers Electric Inc.) is pleased to provide technical support for the Logan High School Repetitive Work Exo Arm Project. This in class project, provides an example of how industrial automation technologies are utilized in real industry situations”- Mike Wettstein, President-Electrical Contractor & Controls Integrator

“Motion Industries routinely coordinates the interactions between designers and manufacturers demonstrating the role Industrial Distribution plays in bringing projects such as this to fruition.” – Bill Bandish, Branch Manager, Motion Industries

“Schaeffler Group USA, Inc. is proud to support Logan High School in providing an authentic engineering experience for their students. By designing and building their own Exo-Arm, students will have the unique and exciting opportunity to be involved in a real world project; from start to finish.”

-Jesse Potratz, Sales Representative, Schaeffler Group USA, Inc.
Gaining hands on experience with this project is a valuable resume builder and personal development plan for the students to take with them into their next endeavor. Mike Karlovich, EHS Manager Trane, Inc.

Industrial Automation
Mike Wettstein, President
214 Vine Street
La Crosse, WI 54602-1445
608.796.7807

Motion Industries, Inc.
Bill Bandish, Branch Manager
2724 Commerce Street
La Crosse, WI 54603
608.785.1200

Schaeffler Group USA, Inc.
Jesse Potratz, Sales Representative
N16 W23233 Stoneridge Drive
Suite 170
Waukesha, WI 53188
262.544.8270

Trane
Mike Karlovich, CSP – EHS Manager
3600 Pammel Creek Road
La Crosse, WI 54601
608.787.2852

Logan High School Contact:
Steve Johnston, Technology and Engineering Dept.
1500 Ranger Dr.
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603
608.789.3306