Bluewater Technologies in Wixom to Host Tech Expo Aug. 21-22
Bluewater Technologies, a Wixom-based, women-owned experimental agency specializing in sensory storytelling across digital and physical canvases, is hosting a Tech Expo event Aug. 21-22 at its headquarters (30303 Beck Road).
The two-day event is expected to be filled with educational opportunities, cutting-edge AV technology, and more. The event is tailored to fit any schedule allowing participants to stop by or stay all day and explore the latest AV innovations, while gaining valuable insights and network with other industry professionals, according to the organizers.
Educational sessions from industry leaders including Planar, Creston, K-WAV, Absen, Barco, Yealink, Draper, Spaceti, and more will be taking place each day. A full schedule of panels and sessions can be found here.
Event highlights Include:
- Extended Reality (XR) Stage
- Exhibitor Showcases
- Educational Opportunities
- Networking
This is a free event for industry professionals. Interested individuals, however, will need to register in advance here.
‘Innovative’ Autonomous Rescue Vehicle Unveiled at GVSETS 2024
The National Defense Industrial Association Michigan Chapter hosting the 16th Annual Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS), today through Thursday, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
This morning, Deep Orange 15, an advanced, semi-autonomous, high-speed, off-road rescue vehicle was unveiled at Booth 703.
Deep Orange 15, developed through an 18-month collaboration between Clemson University’s Department of Automotive Engineering master’s and Ph.D. students and industry professionals, is designed to address challenges in natural disaster relief and off-road terrain rescue missions. The vehicle features innovative technologies, including AI motor assistance, semi-active suspension, a high-voltage battery, and specialized rescue capabilities. the project highlights the educational value and practical experience gained in the Deep Orange program.
Entities involved in Deep Orange 15’s development include:
- S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center
- Clemson University VIPR GS (DoD-funded center)
- Brembo
- Fox Factory
- Method Race Wheels
- North American Rescue
According to it project managers, Deep Orange 15 emphasizes the importance of autonomous technology in both military and civilian contexts. It is designed to improve rescue response times in extreme environments, minimizing personnel requirements for individual rescue operations. This high-speed, off-road, optionally piloted rescue vehicle is equipped to traverse diverse terrains, from desert sands and boulders to urban rubble, aligning with the “golden hour” guideline in rescue operations.
For more information, visit the GVSETS media page.
Detroit-based Ally Bank Launches First Money Psychology Program
Today, Ally, the nation’s largest all-digital bank headquartered in Detroit, is introducing Money Roots, a free online money psychology program that helps people better understand their relationships with money to ultimately make more informed spending and saving decisions.
Rooted in money psychology, Money Roots is a form of financial therapy, consisting of four virtual workshops that take participants on a journey of their own life experiences + emotions, helping them understand and ultimately improve money behaviors. The launch comes after an Ally survey found that nearly half (46 percent) of Americans let emotions influence their spending, while 36% never seek emotional support for managing personal finances.
To spread awareness (and deliver some financial relief in a time of need), Ally will pay a total of $100,000 in cash prizes to participants across the U.S. who share their own money story. Those interested can visit Ally.com/MoneyRoots for a chance to win one of the many cash prizes, including:
- $18,900 (average cost of annual childcare)
- $2,200 (average monthly mortgage payment)
- $430 (average monthly credit card payment)
- $135 (average cost of an online therapy session)
Birmingham Cruise Event Returns Aug. 17th
The Birmingham Shopping District’s (BSD) Birmingham Cruise Event returns to South Old Woodward Avenue in the heart of downtown Birmingham on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 9-5 p.m. during the Woodward Dream Cruise.
See hundreds of classic cars on display, explore sponsor displays and interactive exhibits from Chevrolet and more, and hear live broadcasts from WOMC 104.3 FM.
Shop official cruise and Detroit-made merchandise from The Detroit Shoppe and other vendors. Stay cool with fresh-squeezed lemonade and Italian ice and enjoy hot dogs and carnival-style fare from vendors located throughout the event.
Birmingham’s walkable downtown is the ideal place to spend the day or even the entire weekend. Many local and national retailers will be open to welcome shoppers of all ages. For those seeking overnight accommodations, the Daxton Hotel, The Townsend Hotel, and the Holiday Inn Express are located in the heart of downtown Birmingham within walking distance to the event. Visit here for more information.
Convenient parking is available at all five city of Birmingham municipal parking garages, where the first two hours are free. For garages locations and information, visit here.
TXU Energy, Ford Team Up to Offer Daily Free Home Electric Vehicle Charging Hours
Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn and TXU Energy in Texas have teamed up to create a first-of-its-kind retail energy offering for Ford electric SUV and truck customers in Lone Star State.
The TXU Free EV Miles program offers Ford EV customers the opportunity to charge their vehicle at home entirely for free, since more than approximately 80 percent of charging takes place at home. Ford EV customers will get a credit on their TXU Energy bill for all home energy used for vehicle charging during the free charging hours, which are between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day, all year long.
Through the TXU Free EV Miles program, Ford aims to educate Texans about the perks of driving electric while incentivizing consumers to charge when demand on the grid is at its lowest.
The offering is designed for flexibility, giving customers 18 hours a day to charge for free. With easy charging scheduling through the Preferred Charge Times feature in the FordPass app or in-vehicle touchscreen, Ford electric SUV and truck drivers can ensure charging only occurs within TXU Energy’s free hours.
In the unlikely event that customers need to charge outside of the free hours, they will pay a simple, fixed rate – the same rate as the rest of their home. With this foundation, Ford and TXU Energy will test customer interest in additional future retail energy offerings that further incentivize customers to support grid stability in the state, which was the third largest in electric vehicle sales nationwide in 2023.
The program enables Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Escape Plugin Hybrid customers to benefit from bill credits, regardless of what hardware they use to charge their vehicle at home.
When Ford drivers enroll in the Free EV Miles energy plan, they will also receive additional perks from both Ford and TXU Energy, including a $100 welcome bonus from Ford and a $250 bonus from TXU Energy for staying enrolled for a year. Once enrolled and verified, customers will begin receiving automatic rebates for at-home charging costs during the free charging hours.
Enrollment for the Free EV Miles program is open now to interested Ford and current or future TXU Energy customers. Visit here for more information and to enroll.
FANUC America Establishes $1M Scholarship Fund with SME Education Foundation
FANUC America in Rochester Hills, a global leader in industrial automation and robotics, has established of the FANUC Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund in collaboration with the SME Education Foundation.
As the largest automation scholarship in SME Education Foundation history, this initiative will foster the next generation of skilled professionals in advanced manufacturing and automation. The SME Education Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of SME, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing.
“FANUC has always believed in the power of education and its pivotal role in shaping the future,” says Mike Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America. “Early on, we recognized the demand for advanced skills, and it led us to establish our Certified Education program. Now, through our new $1 million scholarship initiative, we continue to champion education, and help empower the next generation to learn, innovate, and fuel the growth of manufacturing in North America.”
Since 2019, FANUC America has created more than 400 jobs in Michigan and has invested more than $187 million across the continent. This scholarship builds upon the company’s strategic investment plan to support and advance industrial automation in North America.
How It Works
The FANUC Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund represents a long-term commitment by FANUC America along with its Authorized System Integrators (ASI) and Education Solutions Providers (ESP). Over the next four years, a minimum of $1 million will be contributed to establish an enduring endowment. This endowment will provide annual scholarships totaling at least $50,000 to deserving students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and automation across the United States and Canada.
According to Paul Aiello, executive director of education for FANUC America, the manufacturing industry faces the critical challenge of a projected 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030 due to a shortage of skilled labor. “By increasing our investment in education and training, we can help bridge this gap,” says Aiello. “The FANUC Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund aims to alleviate the financial burden of post-secondary education and create a robust pipeline of talent for the automation workforce.”
The SME Education Foundation will accept scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year starting Nov. 1. For additional information on how to apply for a scholarship, visit SME Education Foundation. For information on FANUC education programming for students and schools, visit FANUC America.
Washtenaw Community College, United Association Celebrate Partnership
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor and the United Association (UA) are celebrating 35 years of skilled trades partnership with the arrival this week of some 3,500 attendees for the union’s annual training week.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry’s intensive five-year Instructor Training Program (ITP) equips union instructors to educate and train all UA members back home on the best industry safety and training practices. Union members may also simultaneously enroll as WCC college students and earn an associate degree.
WCC hosts five trades unions for skills training throughout the summer. The college’s partnership with the UA – which brings the largest group – is the oldest.
With more than 2,300 UA attendees registered and another 1,200 in support personnel and vendors at WCC, the entire campus is utilized during training week. Approximately 125 different classes are offered, most with multiple sections.
The UA represents approximately 379,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders and pipe liners working in the construction industry throughout North America.
In all, approximately 6,000 members, staff and vendors from all five unions train on the WCC campus from June through August, bringing a projected $20 million economic windfall to Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.
