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Unmanned Robotic System Utilizing a Hydrocarbon Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System

Unmanned Robotic System Utilizing a Hydrocarbon Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System

Press Contact: 202/225-4071 (office)

Project Name:	Unmanned Robotic System Utilizing a Hydrocarbon Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Project Address:	5500 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Amount Requested:	$6,000,000
Federal Department or Agency:	Department of Defense; Research, Development, Test And Evaluation, Army
Individual or entity requesting this appropriation:	Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Value to Michigan’s 15th Congressional District and the American taxpayer:
With the support of DARPA, CERDEC, TARDEC, and SOCOM the hydrocarbon tubular solidoxide fuel cell system has matured to the point where it has been fielded as successful in multiple unmanned aerial system (UAS) flights and operation of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in relevant environments. The goal of the effort is to prepare for transition to procurement and DoD success. This project will have a direct impact on the Michigan economy prior to the end of 2010. By succeeding at this project the technology that has been developed in Michigan will be deployed with US and Allied military forces in providing global security. This would translate into approximately 120 jobs being retained and created within the propane UGV solid oxide fuel cell industry of which AMI is the leader and solely located within Michigan's 15th Congressional District. As Adaptive Materials grows it will also be developing a more extensive supply chain, leveraging the existing supply chain of the Michigan automotive industry. Many components can and are sourced within Michigan. Although Adaptive Materials builds the fuel cell components we outsource many of the components of the complete system in order to keep costs low, and quality high. The housing, electronics, wiring harnesses, and heat management components depend on Michigan's tool and die, stamping, plastic, and electronic industries. As Adaptive Material leads the way into new markets we have grown the entire green industry within Michigan.

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