Hoyer Announces Grant for University of Maryland

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced today that the University of Maryland has received a $96,074 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The grant will support research to develop Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) planning for automated manufacturing. AGVs are mobile robots often used to move materials in a manufacturing facility or a warehouse.

"Manufacturing is a bright spot in our economy, and I am committed to strengthening this industry through Democrats' Make It In America jobs plan," stated Congressman Hoyer. "One component of the Make It In America plan calls for strategic investments that will allow us to out-innovate our competitors, and
this grant will help fund research to do just that. By making investments in AGV research, we can help manufacturers become more efficient and reduce costs so that they can expand, create jobs, and remain competitive."

"This work is focused on improving the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing facilities by improving efficiency and productivity," stated Dr. S. K. Gupta, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Maryland. 

Congressman Hoyer introduced the Make It In America plan in 2010 to strengthen American manufacturing so that businesses can innovate, manufacture products, and create well-paying, middle-class jobs. The plan calls for investments in education and skills training, infrastructure, and innovation so that we can out-educate, out-build, and out-innovate our competitors across the globe. Click here for more information on the Make It In America plan.