Programs

CATS Industrial Advisory Board Current CATS Industrial Partners

About the CATS

Founded in 1988, the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS) has a long history of working with industry in programs encompassing basic research through manufacturing system design and pilot line development.  Our unique combination of leading research, excellence in theory and analysis, practical design and process implementation has paid off for numerous industrial partners.

The CATS provides an effective interface to leverage a broad range of research resources in automation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with highly trained technical staff to provide project management that matches industrial requirements and schedules.  We also recognize the importance of intellectual property agreements in research programs and endeavor to craft appropriate arrangements to suit the needs of our sponsors.  Our experience and track record in SBIR, STTR and other funding programs makes us an effective partner in securing extramural research dollars with our industrial colleagues. Industrial partners also gain early access to results, information on related developments, and introduction to highly trained students. 

Working with CATS

• Technical consultation, feasibility study, exploratory research
• Collaborative research for process improvement or product development with professional project management  
• Joint proposals to State (e.g., NYSERDA) and Federal Agencies (e.g., through SBIR/STTR or BAA)
• Identification of RPI faculty and organizations and/or external partners best matched with needs

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CATS Industrial Advisory Board

The CATS industrial advisory board (IAB) provides industrially-relevant advice and guidance on Center operations and strategic direction.  The IAB meets twice a year, spring and fall.  The spring meeting coincides with the CATS annual technology showcase and dinner with the participation of all CATS partners. 

• Paul Burton, independent Consultant
• Alex Cable, Founder and President, Thorlabs
• Dr. Gordon Calundann, CTO, BASF Fuel Cell
• Tom Coller, Owner, Progressive Machine and Design
• David Gross, Director, Manufacturing Systems Technology, GlobalFoundries
• Linda Dickerson Hartsock, Executive Director, Clean Tech Center
• Gordon Hirschman, Executive VP, Infoscitex (Chair)
• Bill Hoffman, VP and CTO, Kitware
• Jeff Lawrence, Executive VP, Technology, Center for Economic Growth (CEG)
• Shaun Mahoney, President and CEO, NextRidge
• Frederick  Miller,  CEO, Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group
• Miriam Pye, Senior Project Manager, Industrial Research, NYSERDA
• George Rodgers,  Director, Western Region Technology, Northrop-Grumman
• Dan Sexton, Program Manager, GE Global Research
• Patricia Strickland, CEO, Ceralink

NYSTAR:   Program Manager Bonnie Messmer

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Current CATS Industrial Partners

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