Robotics Academic Labs

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Robotics Academic Labs, seeking comprehensive market information to develop a new robotics engineering major and establish a multipurpose undergraduate robotics lab. The procurement targets a complex robotic laboratory system that must support multiple programming languages including Python, C++, ROS, MATLAB, Simulink, and Java. Specific requirements include a system with at least 6 physical lab stations, each containing a servomotor platform, mobile robot system, robotic arm with 4 degrees of freedom, and digital twins for hardware devices. The RFI requires suppliers to provide detailed technical specifications, company background information, software licensing details, and comprehensive pricing structures. Responses are due by March 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT, with the university explicitly stating that this RFI is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a future procurement or contract. The primary objective is to gather market intelligence that may inform a potential competitive solicitation for robotics laboratory equipment for the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The RFI does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, suggesting that both small and large vendors can participate. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the university is interested in suppliers who can provide an existing undergraduate lab curriculum and offer seamless interface solutions for student learning across multiple course levels. The procurement appears to be focused on comprehensive robotics lab solutions, with an emphasis on flexible, adaptable systems that can support various academic and research needs. Although no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the complexity of the required system suggests a potentially significant investment in laboratory infrastructure. The university retains sole discretion in determining how the RFI results will be used, with the potential to leverage existing consortium or state contracts if appropriate. Suppliers are expected to provide estimated costs for functional components, including recurring and non-recurring expenses, maintenance, training options, and potential implementation services.