Sustainable Communities

We value human connection and caring for people in meaningful ways. Our intentional and purpose-driven strategy creates opportunities and expands human possibilities through investments in people and meaningful action.

Download Our 2023 Report

Community Impact

Spirit of service, commitment to community. We are cultivating human possibility and making our communities more productive and sustainable. Learn more.

ROK in Action

Expanded globally in FY23, ROK in Action gives employees an opportunity to make an impact on their communities in ways that are most meaningful to them.

Rockwell supports employees by providing paid time off to volunteer, matching tracked volunteer hours with financial support for approved nonprofits or NGOs, and matching employee donations with a 1:1 match up to $5,000 for approved nonprofits or NGOs.

Our employees are creating a meaningful impact:

16,302 hours of volunteering recorded +126% YOY
13,145 hours of volunteer time-off taken +115% YOY
1,116 organizations supported by employees and the company match

Clock Tower Farms: Industrial Automation in Hydroponic Farming

Hydroponic farming is a technique used to grow plants without soil. Hydroponic farmers use containers filled with nutrient-rich water without the need for large plots of land.

In collaboration with Fork Farms, a Wisconsin-based agricultural tech startup, we are showcasing our commitment to sustainability and innovation by:

Building a highly automated, indoor 7,300 sq. ft. hydroponic vertical farm at our Milwaukee headquarters
540,000 plants and up to 149,000 pounds of food produced annually – equivalent to over three acres of traditional farmland
Using Rockwell solutions, Fork Farms will showcase the future scalability of the agricultural industry by monitoring and adjusting nutrient, pH, and water levels based on the crops being grown

STEM Education

We focus our investments and our time to help develop people who will be ready to solve the world’s next challenges. Learn more.

Engaging Students with FIRST®

We prioritize investments and efforts in developing individuals prepared to tackle the world's challenges. Our focus includes inspiring students, particularly young women and underrepresented groups, to pursue STEM careers. Programs like FIRST® play a key role in building a strong educational foundation, fostering inclusive robotics communities, and preparing the next generation for the future workforce.

Enriching learning in Mexico:

Rockwell’s STEM grant to the Robotix Foundation supported 11 learning centers and almost 1,000 students in underserved communities throughout Mexico
Students participated in regional and national FIRST® LEGO League competitions
Thousands of students across Mexico benefited from STEM educational opportunities

Empowering the Next Generation

In 2023, the Rockwell Automation Robotics Room opened at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio, providing a permanent workspace for six robotics teams sponsored by the Science Center through the Robotics Initiative. This collaboration with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District supports high school students with curriculum, mentorship, and resources for FIRST® Robotics Competitions.

Diverse Representation: The six teams, including an all-girls team from traditionally underrepresented student populations, contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment
Advanced Resources: Approximately 130 students utilize individual workstations, upgraded manufacturing equipment, advanced power tools, and 3D printers to prepare for competitions, fostering a hands-on learning experience
Impactful Initiatives: Students leveraged technical and entrepreneurial skills gained in the Robotics Room to make a positive impact. “They secured funding from sponsors and donated their own time to fabricate prosthetic hands for children using 3D printers. This summer they took eight pairs to children in Ecuador, and they have orders for 20 more. It’s a cross-team, student-led project that’s opening their eyes to the world.” – JonDarr Bradshaw, Community Engagement Coordinator and former NASA educator

Disaster Relief & Recovery

We are committed to supporting humanitarian relief efforts and making a positive impact across the globe.

Supporting the American Red Cross

In FY23, Rockwell supported disaster and humanitarian relief efforts and general operations providing emergency shelter, relief supplies, and meals to those impacted by natural disasters.

Providing Relief Across the Globe:

Supported hurricane disaster relief for Hurricane Ian, following a month-long 2:1 employee donation match campaign for Red Cross efforts post-Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico
Addressed rapidly changing needs after two deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria impacted vulnerable communities in February
Provided aid following the deadly wildfires that erupted across Hawaii's main island and Maui, causing structural damage, mass evacuations, emergency rescues, and uprooting lives.
Supported relief efforts after Morocco's deadliest earthquake in over a century

Workforce of Tomorrow

Unlocking the potential of our world through industrial automation depends on both innovative technologies and a knowledgeable workforce. As digital transformation accelerates, advanced manufacturing is driving demand for a new type of technology-intensive skillset. Learn more.

Pipelining Talent in Ireland for Life Sciences Manufacturing

Cork, Ireland is a globally recognized technology hub, especially for the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. To meet growing demand for skilled life sciences manufacturing talent, we partnered with Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork to integrate learning on Rockwell advanced systems in its curriculum.

Students complete six-month full-time internships with Rockwell
Hands-on training in the classroom and at Rockwell provide validation experience needed in the life sciences manufacturing sector
Graduates begin their professional career ahead of peers

Expanding Student Pathways into Manufacturing Roles

Rockwell partners with high schools and higher education institutions to expand participation and education on advanced manufacturing technologies.

Rockwell-Fanuc Collaboration, Ohio: Since 2012, the Mach3 program provides two-year apprenticeships to high school students using Rockwell curriculum, technology, and equipment leading to industry certifications and full-time manufacturing careers post-graduation
B.S. Automation Leadership Program, UW-Stout Wisconsin: uniquely combines industry-applied learning with Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) and applied automation leadership training for access to cutting-edge technologies, serving as a pathway to Industry 4.0 engineering leadership and potential advanced manufacturing master’s programs
Cleveland State University (CSU) Pre-College Curriculum: utilizes the Rockwell Lab to enhance math and critical thinking skills for underrepresented students, integrating Rockwell certifications and 4.0 training work stations for students pursuing advanced manufacturing careers

Aligning our Work

To make a greater impact with our charitable resources, we partner with organizations that align with our philanthropic priorities in four areas. Learn more.

STEM EDUCATION

To prepare the world’s innovators and makers of the future, we focus on improving the increasing STEM education programs particularly among women and underrepresented groups.

EQUITY & INCLUSION

It’s a big world. And the more we include diverse perspectives in business decisions, the better we meet changing demands. That’s why we support organizations and opportunities that increase diversity and allow employees to develop an understanding of the social, economic, and educational challenges in our communities.

TALENT ENGAGEMENT

We recognize the importance of enhancing the vibrancy and sustainability of the communities where we have a major business presence. We proudly support programs that provide essential services as well as those that foster creativity and innovation.

DISASTER RELIEF & RECOVERY

Making a difference starts with helping others when they need us most. We respond to natural disasters affecting communities where our employees, customers, and business partners live and work.