Technology and Innovation

A postcard from the early 1900s depicting a dairy wagon owned by the Ann Arbor- and Pittsfield Township-based McCalla family. It is one of thousands of postcards to be digitized in a new database.

U-M library digitizes a century of Michigan postcards, from 1840s on

Featuring locations across the state and dating from the 1840s to the mid-20th century, the 66,470 postcards document personal family moments, local news events, towns that no longer exist, and social changes.

Latest in Technology and Innovation
Community collaborations help coordinate shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs alongside behavioral health services. Community Action of Allegan County home-delivered meals drivers.
Mental health agencies strengthen services through community collaborations

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.  

TORC Robotics' new facility in Ann Arbor Township.
Self-driving truck company opens $5.6 million Ann Arbor Twp. facility, creating 500 local jobs

TORC Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and a leader in autonomous truck technology, has announced the opening of a new facility in Ann Arbor Township.

Caleb Dahl working in Computer Integrated Manufacturing class at Saline High School.
CTE millage to go before Washtenaw County voters as CTE program demand increases

A new report shows that over the last four years, while overall student enrollment in Washtenaw County has decreased, CTE program enrollment has increased by 69%. 

The first five Michigan graduates of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program.
Ann Arbor SPARK, WCC celebrate first Michigan grads of manufacturing education program

The inaugural cohort is leaving the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program with two years of work experience, degrees, and job offers. 

A view through the titanium-sapphire crystal that helps to transfer power into ZEUS’s laser pulses.
U-M’s ZEUS laser, the strongest in the U.S., is about to get even more powerful

Currently operating at an electrical power output of two petawatts, this summer the ZEUS laser’s output will soar to three petawatts thanks to a new lab-grown titanium-infused sapphire crystal from Salem, Mass. 

The START Collaborative's first retreat in January 2024.
From tornado to ice storm, collaborative addresses unmet needs in Otsego County

Inspired by a string of recent disasters, the START Collaborative aims to address unmet needs in Otsego County through collaboration between nonprofits, schools, hospitals, government entities, and businesses.

A Michigan Technological University booth at Safe Demo Day at the American Center for Mobility.
American Center for Mobility’s Demo Day highlights new tech, expanded facility scope

On June 6, Safe Demo Day at Ypsilanti Township's American Center for Mobility showcased the latest developments at the state-of-the-art testing facility, ranging from new technologies to an expansion of ACM's scope.

Ann Arbor SPARK President and CEO Paul Krutko speaks at SPARK's annual meeting.
Ann Arbor SPARK annual meeting highlights economic development wins and climate change threats

The event showcased SPARK's achievements in fostering economic growth and innovation in Washtenaw County, while its keynote speaker discussed climate change's potential impact on the county's economy.

Ryan Friedholm working in Computer Integrated Manufacturing class at Saline High School.
Saline manufacturing students create adaptive tools to help people with disabilities

Students in Trent Trout's Computer Integrated Manufacturing class at Saline High School are learning to develop innovative real-world solutions for people with disabilities. 

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