DATE: 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 11, 2008.

EVENT: The Michigan Robotics and Autonomous Technologies Conference, where academic, industry and government officials will discuss current robotics projects and future opportunities for southeastern Michigan. More than 60 robotics researchers from Michigan universities including the University of Michigan will exhibit and demonstrate their projects. U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) is among the speakers.

The Army recently moved its ground robotics activities from Alabama to the Detroit Arsenal, creating an increased demand for related research and expertise in the area. To help meet this need, U-M and the College of Engineering have established a new Ground Robotics Research Center and a Master of Engineering degree in unmanned ground vehicles and robotics to be offered for the first time this fall. The college has also created 5,000 square feet of new robotics lab space and established offices for industry to be on campus to enable greater collaboration.

Conference speakers and participants include:

? U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.)

? Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn)

? Dave Munson, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering

? Col. James Braden, project manager in the U.S. Army’s Robotic Systems Joint Project Office

? Grace Bochenek, director of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

? Helen Greiner, founder and chairman of iRobot

? Galip Ulsoy, the William Clay Ford Professor of Manufacturing at U-M and director of the new Ground Robotics Research Center

Representatives from at least 15 companies will take part, including Toyota, Ford Motor Co., iRobot and John Deere.

Researchers from these universities will present their work: Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, University of Detroit-Mercy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Wayne State University.

Robotic devices are used pervasively by the military for transporting cargo, surveillance, unmanned defense, de-activating mines, rescue operations and more. In addition to military applications, these technologies are being used in the auto industry. Sensors and autonomous technology can improve safety and help improve fuel economy.

“For the automotive industry, instead of trying to protect the person who is involved in a crash, we can try to prevent the crash in the first place with vision systems and sensors that alert the driver or take other actions,” said professor Galip Ulsoy, director of the new Ground Robotics Research Center housed at U-M.

“Michigan’s established auto industry makes an expanded robotics industry here a natural fit,” said Daryl Weinert, senior director of corporate and government relations at the College of Engineering.

PLACE: Remarks will be in 1670 Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) building at 2260 Hayward Street on U-M’s North Campus in Ann Arbor. Exhibits will be in the atrium of the CSE building, on the lawn outside the building and around the Class of 1947E Reflecting Pool, also on North Campus.

A map showing the location of the CSE building is at: http://www.engin.umich.edu/facilities/maps/cse.html

Visitor parking is available and noted on the above map, but parking passes for other lots are available by contacting Nicole Casal Moore at ncmoore@umich.edu.

CONTACTS: Galip Ulsoy, director of the new Ground Robotics Research Center: (734) 936-0407, ulsoy@umich.edu

Daryl Weinert, senior director of corporate and government relations at the College of Engineering: (734) 647-7057, weinert@umich.edu

Jon Kinsey, director of research relations at the College of Engineering: (734) 615-8237, kinseyj@umich.edu.

Michigan Engineering:

The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. At more than $130 million annually, its engineering research budget is one of largest of any public university. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments and a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. The college plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and hosts the world class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility. Michigan Engineering’s premier scholarship, international scale and multidisciplinary scope combine to create The Michigan Difference. Find out more at http://www.engin.umich.edu/.