Symposium addresses automotive technology

The Sixth Annual Strategic and Technical Symposium to discuss new automotive technology will be held tomorrow and Thursday at the Ypsilanti Marriott Hotel.

The symposium is cosponsored by the University's Center for Integrated Microsystems and will focus on vehicular applications of displays and microsensors.

"The symposium has two purposes - to provide opportunities to share thoughts about business direction and ways of communicating new technology, and to share new information on technology," said Prof. Ken Wise, assistant dean of research in the College of Engineering.

Presentations will be made about new technological ideas including flat panel displays, microsensors and microelectric mechanical systems.

The symposium originated six years ago at the same time that the state began funding the Center for Display Technology and Manufacturing. The purpose of the center was to provide research and training in flat panel display technology. Flat panel displays are commonly used in laptop computers, palmpilots, automobiles and aircrafts.

Last summer the center was integrated into the Center for Integrated Microsystems. "The center has been redefined to encompass more general microsystems. We now have a broader range of research. Therefore, the symposium has also been redefined for a broader scope," said Fred Terry, assistant professor of electrical engineering.

This year's symposium will include 24 speakers and many exhibitors. Representatives from the University, Delphi/Delco, DaimlerChrysler AG, Ford Motor Company, Lear Corporation, Philips, Visteon, Dow Chemical, the Air Force Research Lab and Michigan State University are among the speakers included in the two day conference.

Several of the participating automobile companies will provide prototype vehicles for display.

"Visteon will feature a Windstar complete with a heads up display. This means that things like speed will be displayed on the windshield rather than on the dashboard. It will also have a rear seat entertainment center," said Barbara Rice, Center for Integrated Microsystems administrative assistant.

The flat panel displays and microsensors presented at the symposium have a variety of practical applications in automobiles. They can be used in infrared imaging for seeing through fog, built into accelerometers to set off airbags and can even be used in engines for sensing pressure to decrease pollution.

"It is currently under study to come up with new ways of measuring chemical elements in exhaust gas and the content of oxides of nitrogen, a major smog producing gas," Terry said.

The symposium will also focus on the economic factors influencing the flat panel display and automobile markets. Presentations of data will be made on the economy of these industries and how to bring more jobs to Michigan.

Coordinators said based on the success of past symposiums, they expect attendance of more than 200 people.

The registration fee for attendees is $345, although the fee for University faculty and students is only $75.

"This is quite a reduced rate because we want to encourage faculty and students to attend," said Rice.

This fee includes a copy of all presentations, a copy of the presentations on CD, access to all speakers, exhibitors, luncheons and admission to a meeting of the Society of Automotive Engineers on Friday.

For information regarding registration, contact the University Conference Management Services at 734-764-4276. The Ypsilanti Marriott is located on Huron Street near I-94.

09-21-99