Peters Visits Michigan Technological University’s Advanced Power Systems Research Center
Calumet, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the Senate Smart Transportation Caucus, visited the Michigan Technological University (MTU)’s Advanced Power System Research Center (APS LABS) to learn more about MTU’s connected and autonomous vehicle technology research and development efforts. Peters also visited MTU’s Keweenaw Research Center to view research conducted by MTU for the Department of Defense.
“Michigan’s universities and colleges are researching and developing technology that powers the innovation of self-driving cars and the future of defense manufacturing,” said Senator Peters. “This facility offers a unique and challenging environment for testing connected and self-driving vehicle technologies in rural environments and even snow and ice. I am proud that Michigan Technological University is playing a critical role in validating these cutting-edge technologies that will save thousands of lives, reduce vehicle energy consumption and transform the way we get around."
“At Michigan Tech, there are numerous on-going efforts in education, research and testing of connected and autonomous technologies," said Jeff Naber Director of APS LABS. “The APS LABS research center is just starting a three year Department of Energy NEXTCAR ARPA-E program in partnership with GM where connected and automated vehicle technologies will be used to reduce vehicle energy consumption, extend electric vehicle range, and provide optimal vehicle directions.”
“The Keweenaw Research Center of Michigan Tech has continued to be a strategic supplier of mobility related technology research and development over the past 60 years,” said Jay S Meldrum, Sr., Executive Director of the Keweenaw Research Center of Michigan Tech. “This has transformed into the creation of autonomous and connected unmanned vehicle technologies for the soldier in challenging unstructured environments found in many modern military theaters. Testing in remote and reliably unpleasant weather conditions adds to the advantages of what the Keweenaw Research Center has to offer.”
The Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APS LABS) conducts research and development of advanced vehicle technologies. The center operates a vehicle fleet of 30 light duty vehicles that use connected and autonomous functions and real-time traffic modeling. APS LABS works with major automotive manufacturers and suppliers, as well as the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Vehicle Technologies Programs.
At APS LABS, Peters toured the Mobility Lab, a hands-on education and training facility that offers a wide range of professional development courses on autonomous and connected vehicles. Peters also saw MTU's fleet of Chevrolet Volts, part of the center's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) NEXTCAR program, a partnership between MTU, GM and the Department of Energy, which uses connected and automated vehicle technologies to reduce vehicle energy consumption and improve efficiency. ARPA-E NEXTCAR program - short for NEXT-Generation Energy Technologies for Connected and Automated On-Road Vehicles - uses connected and automated technologies to co-optimize vehicle dynamic controls and powertrain operation, thereby reducing energy consumption of the vehicle.
Peters is also a strong proponent of Michigan’s leadership in the research and development of connected and automated vehicle technologies. In February, Peter and Senator John Thune (R-SD), the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced a joint effort to create legislation that advances innovation in self-driving vehicle technology. Peters played an instrumental role in advancing the Department of Transportation’s recent competition that designated nationally recognized proving grounds for self-driving vehicles, including the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti.
Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also toured Department of Defense research taking place at MTU’s Keweenaw Research Center, which includes work on armored vehicles and unmanned systems.
