TROY ? Automation Alley?s Technology Center and two partner companies bagged $1 million in federal grants this month to build two advanced technology prototype buses and to create a Digital Manufacturing Network.
A $550,000 federal grant went to Altair Engineering to revitalize the public bus transportation systems. The Detroit Department of Transportation and the SMART bus service operating in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties, will each receive one of the prototype buses for regular transit use and evaluation.
A $450,000 grant will go to the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences to create the Digital Manufacturing Network. The network will bring state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, as well as solutions and training, to companies that would not normally have access to such costly technology.
Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Michigan?s 9th District) helped secure the grants.
“Public bus transportation is a key component to meeting our region’s transportation needs,? said Representative Knollenberg. ?To realize its promise, however, bus fleets must be brought into the 21st Century.?
Automation Alley and Altair will work together to develop ways to enhance public transportation and fleet operations. For example, the demonstration buses will be built in a modular format, allowing for quicker, less complex and less costly replacement of critical systems when problems arise. What?s more, sensors and telematics services will be installed to offer effective preventative maintenance to avoid expensive repairs. Currently, maintenance costs account for 21 percent of an average U.S. city transit system?s budget. Alternative powertrain options will also be explored for the prototype buses, with the potential for hybrid electric, fuel cell and natural gas capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Automation Alley Tech Center will work with the NCMS to create a Digital Manufacturing Network, which will consist of three initiatives; the Small Business Digital Manufacturing Training Initiative will have a developed curriculum, a thorough pilot evaluation program and support from partner software vendors to train businesses; the Technology Brokering Initiative will link manufacturers, program officers and partners with needed resources to achieve technology goals; and the Small Business Digital Manufacturing Improvement Awards will provide software ?seat? awards to non-profit education institutions supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
?The Digital Manufacturing Network is crucial in assisting Southeast Michigan?s small manufacturers in remaining competitive,? said Tom Anderson, director of the Automation Alley Technology Center. ?Many small to medium-sized companies don?t have the resources to implement the digital manufacturing tools that are needed to compete with or even be preferred suppliers to larger companies globally.?
