Robotics, Autonomy, and Drones- OH MY! 2017 Michigan Robotics Day
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the nation’s leader in collaborative technology, is hosting the seventh annual Michigan Robotics Day tomorrow, April 11, at the North Campus Research Complex in Ann Arbor, with the University of Michigan (U-M) School of Engineering. Ford Motor Company is the exclusive sponsor of this event, which has grown into the nation’s premier event celebrating National Robotics Week.
National Robotics Week was launched by the U.S. Congress to provide education and inspire innovation in the field of automated robotics. Michigan Robotics Day draws top talent, research, and manufacturers for creating relationships, connecting enterprises, and stimulating inspiration. Opening remarks will be presented by special guests Gov. Rick Snyder and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), from Michigan’s 12th Congressional District.
“NCMS is proud to promote robotics, autonomy, drone technology and future innovation for this critically important family of technologies”, said Rick Jarman, President and CEO of NCMS. “We work with a broad range of key stakeholders to reach the level of engagement with Michigan students, industry and researchers that we are seeing today.”
Michigan Robotics Day brings together the biggest offering of robotics, autonomous robots, innovators, students, and manufacturers in the state. From live demonstrations to academia and the private sector, robots that fly, walk, roll, and swim will illustrate the current and future state of robotics.
One of the many highlights of the event will be a keynote by Paul Snyder, automotive designer and alumnus (Transportation Design) of the College for Creative Studies. Paul’s experience spans four continents and encompasses both exterior and interior development for several automotive brands, including Ford.
“Ask the Expert” sessions will feature Waymo, Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, and SkySpecs as three highly-innovative Michigan companies changing how we design, build, fund emerging technologies. Live drone and ground robot demonstrations, student competitions, and break-out sessions will complete the day.
- Michigan Robotics Day Introduction– Governor Rick Snyder—Honoring NCMS and U-M
- Congressional Greeting – The Honorable Debbie Dingell, US House of Representatives
- Keynote– A Symbiotic Relationship Between Bio-Inspired Robotics and Evolutionary Biology– Talia Moore, postdoctoral fellow in ecology and evolutionary biology, University of Michigan
- Discussion Panel- Drones in Michigan– Commercial Applications, R&D, and Fun—Panel will include Michigan companies SkySpecs (drones for wind turbine inspection), Fathom (underwater drones), Detroit Drones (drone racing league).
- Keynote- Designing for Advanced Urban Mobility with Displays– Paul Snyder- College for Creative Studies
- Connected Vehicle Display provided by U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI)
- Connected Vehicle Program Opportunities — Professor Henry Liu, U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).
- U-M: Robotics Research Highlights– Professor Jessy Grizzle, U-M.
- Lawrence Tech RoboFest Competitions– Robofest is a festival of competitions and events with autonomous robots that encourages students to design, construct, and program the robots.
- Q&A Sessions (You bring the questions; we’ll provide the experts!)
- Session #1- From Robots to Companies– Venture Capital– Vince Nystrom– VP of Business Development, Renaissance Venture Capital Fund.
- Session #2- Drone Applications– Tom Brady – CTO – SkySpecs.
- Session #3- Advanced Mobility–Paul Luskin– Vehicle Engineering Manager– Waymo.
- Session #4- STEM Education Discussion Bob Richards – of the internationally acclaimed Stockbridge Robotics program.