By Maria Gonzalez

EDINBURG, TEXAS – MAY 5, 2025 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley officially opened its new Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant step in strengthening applied research and preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing and technology development.

More than 100 people attended the ceremony at the newly renovated 14,000-square-foot facility on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus. The AMRF will serve as a center for research and development (R&D) collaboration in advanced manufacturing, automation and integrated systems related to the automotive, space, defense and energy sectors. 

The facility aims to support both national and regional priorities while offering hands-on experience for students and workforce training in areas ranging from fusion energy to digital engineering. 

“This facility will act as a catalyst for applied research and development, driving the advancement of cutting-edge technologies through strategic collaboration among academia, industry, national laboratories and regional partners,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “By offering state-of-the-art resources to faculty and students, the AMRF will play a key role in supporting UTRGV’s pursuit of R1 research university status.” 

The AMRF is expected to strengthen research partnerships and promote innovation that supports economic growth across the Rio Grande Valley. 

“The AMRF is a strategic asset for our university and our region,” said Dr. Can Saygin, UTRGV senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College. “It will support applied research aligned with national priorities in areas like energy and defense, while also giving students direct access to hands-on learning and emerging technologies.” 

The facility will also house the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM), formerly known as the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Cyber Systems (CAMICS), which was established on March 1, 2025, as a unit under the Division of Research. IAM now oversees applied manufacturing R&D projects and equipment use within the facility.

“AMRF serves as a hub for workforce development, research and collaboration,” Saygin said. “Through IAM, we will lead projects that bridge applied research with practical outcomes, preparing students to become the next generation of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs.” 

From left: Jorge Barron, José Galarza, Dr. Jianzhi (James) Li, Luis Jimenez, and Ilse Gabriela Pérez García stand in front of a robotic laser direct energy deposition additive manufacturing system inside the AMRF. The system, supported by the Army Research Lab and the DOD Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, allows students to conduct research in multi-metal 3D printing, robotic programming, and laser-material interactions. (Photo by Jesús Alférez)

Dr. Jianzhi (James) Li, director of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, emphasized that the AMRF will promote applied research that addresses essential national priorities and local needs while providing students with hands-on learning experiences.

“This includes training in advanced materials, robotics, semiconductors, AI and digital simulation, with applications in energy, space and future mobility – fields where our students can lead and innovate.”

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art tools for additive manufacturing, robotics, materials testing and semiconductor fabrication. Its capabilities include high-precision CNC machines, laser powder bed fusion systems, robotic laser direct energy deposition tools, composite fabrication equipment, autonomous mobile robots and nano-scale 3D printing technology. These resources allow students and faculty to work with advanced tools used in national laboratories and high-tech industries.

Through collaborations with national laboratories and defense agencies, the AMRF supports major research initiatives such as the Fusion Energy Manufacturing Science program with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). UTRGV leads a national initiative to advance fusion energy manufacturing and create new educational pathways for students pursuing careers in fusion energy science and commercialization. 

TRAINING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

In addition to advancing research, the AMRF plays a vital role in supporting UTRGV’s graduate programs in applied mathematics, computer science, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering. The facility currently supports 15 Ph.D. students, 15 master’s students and 12 undergraduate research assistants, all involved in faculty-led projects.

“Supporting student training and success is a core part of our mission,” Li said. “Providing them with hands-on training and real-world experience is essential, not just for their careers, but for the long-term success of our region. We are deeply committed to seeing them succeed.” 

Beyond academic programs, the AMRF also offers specialized workforce training through certifications in areas such as additive manufacturing and defense innovation, equipping students and professionals with in-demand skills. 

“This facility is about more than research; it is about creating opportunity,” Saygin said. “We are developing the region’s talent pipeline and connecting students to the industries that are shaping the future.” 

The facility’s workforce initiatives will directly support economic development across the region, positioning UTRGV as a key contributor to a stronger South Texas economy.

“The AMRF is not only a research facility – it’s an investment in our local and regional workforce,” said Ron Garza, associate vice president for Workforce and Economic Development. “By aligning advanced research with real-world industry needs, we’re building pathways for students and professionals to participate in high-growth careers that will shape the future economy of the Rio Grande Valley.” 

Dr. Can Saygin, UTRGV senior vice president for Research and dean for the Graduate College, talks to the audience, made up of university and local officials, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting AMRF’s role in applied R&D and student workforce development. (Photo by Jesús Alférez)