Grugliasco (Turin), January 20th, 2025
Comau welcomed professors and students from Harvard Business School for the 2nd Edition of an interactive workshop organized by Comau and its Academy at the company’s headquarters. As a host of the initiative, which is part of the Harvard Business School’s Immersive Field Course (IFC) In Italy, Comau highlighted the increasing importance of innovation and advanced training in the evolving world of industrial automation and robotics. Students were also given hands-on exposure to key technologies and professional skills during the full-day event.
IFC courses are designed to offer students in the second year of the 2-year program an experiential learning opportunity in an off-campus setting. This year over 280 students elected to take the course, a cornerstone of which is the expertise of faculty, who develop course content focused on teaching objectives met primarily through student-centered active learning opportunities such as project work, site visits, speakers, and participating in discussions with senior leadership.
The day began with an overview of the advanced automation market, in which the demand for automated technologies is rapidly growing beyond automotive and into diverse and new sectors. Some of the challenges faced by the leading global industrial company’s top management were also discussed. Finally, to stimulate a culture of results-driven teamwork, the Harvard MBA students took part in a team-based robotics programming challenge with the robot e.DO.
As part of the planned events, Comau presented specific examples of advanced automation solutions designed to increase quality and ensure sustainable productivity – even in outdoor and unstructured environments. Specific focus was given to the MI.RA/Picker automated piece picking solution, and the Comau MATE wearable exoskeletons, which assist the upper and lower body during bending, lifting and repetitive tasks. Comau’s welding guns, the new generation of which will be launched in early 2025, were also on display.
“Empowering the next generation of business professionals with cutting-edge knowledge is a strategic foundation for future-focused excellence,” stated . “In this context, renewing our collaboration with Harvard Business School through the Comau Academy is a natural extension of our commitment to ongoing skills development. Working together, we will continue to ignite ideas and explore how technology and automation are shaping the future of innovation.”
Stefania Ferrero, Comau’s Chief Marketing Officer
Harvard Business School is quick to acknowledge that this important learning experience would not be possible without the support and engagement of its hosts and partners.
“This trip highlights how Italian creativity extends to global leadership in advanced industries. Italy is rightly celebrated for its excellence in many areas, from food to fashion, but Italian technology is equally world-class,” added. “We are extremely grateful to Comau and all the host organizations around the world for all they do on behalf of our students, who benefit immeasurably from this experience.”
Dante Roscini, Professor of Management Practice of Business Administration at Harvard Business SchoolManagement
