Features
Beyond Collaboration: Engineering the Next Generation of the Army Innovation Ecosystem
At the 32nd Automotive Research Center Annual Program Review, leaders from government, academia, industry, and the National Advanced Mobility Consortium explored how artificial intelligence and digital engineering are transforming Army innovation. The panel examined how trusted data, faster technology transition, aligned incentives, and secure digital infrastructure can strengthen collaboration and accelerate the delivery of operational capabilities. Their central conclusion: the innovation ecosystem must be intentionally engineered to be trusted, connected, collaborative, and adaptive.
GVSC Director Michael Cadieux Highlights Digital Engineering as the Catalyst for Continuous Army Transformation
GVSC Director Michael Cadieux explains how digital engineering, AI, and collaboration enable continuous Army modernization and innovation.
From Platforms to Formations: COL Ken Bernier Outlines the Future of Autonomous Military Operations
COL Ken Bernier outlines the Army’s shift from developing individual autonomous vehicles to building integrated formations of crewed and autonomous systems. His keynote highlights how mission autonomy, digital engineering, human-machine teaming, and collaboration among government, academia, and industry will shape future military operations.
University of Michigan Vice President Arthur Lupia Highlights ARC as a National Strategic Asset for Research, Innovation, and National Security
For over 30 years, the Automotive Research Center (ARC) has united universities, industry, and the U.S. Army to advance ground vehicle research and national security. At the 32nd Annual Program Review, U-M Vice President for Research and Innovation Prof. Arthur Lupia called the ARC "a unique national strategic asset." Led by the University of Michigan, the consortium includes more than fifteen universities and dozens of industry partners working alongside the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center. The ARC was recently renewed through 2028 with funding up to $100 million.
Boeing Executive William Carter Highlights the Future of AI, Digital Engineering, and Industrial Autonomy at ARC Annual Program Review
Boeing executive Dr. William Carter delivered the opening keynote at the 32nd Automotive Research Center Annual Program Review, exploring how artificial intelligence, digital engineering, digital twins, and industrial autonomy are transforming manufacturing. His remarks highlighted the growing importance of human-centered, data-driven production systems that improve quality, resilience, and innovation across complex engineering ecosystems.
Senator Gary Peters Highlights ARC's Role in Shaping the Future of Army Mobility and National Security
U.S. Senator Gary Peters praised the Automotive Research Center (ARC) at its Annual Program Review for its contributions to national security and military mobility. He highlighted Michigan's unique role in ground vehicle innovation, emphasized the importance of sustained government-academia-industry collaboration, and noted his efforts to secure increased funding for the ARC's partnership with the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Warren, MI. ARC leaders echoed the value of these partnerships in advancing research and developing future Army capabilities.
State of the ARC: Building the Digital Engineering Ecosystem for the Future of Army Transformation
The State of the ARC address at the 32nd Annual Program Review highlighted the center's evolution from foundational modeling research to an integrated digital engineering ecosystem. ARC Director Prof. Bogdan Epureanu and GVSC Chief Scientist Dr. David Gorsich outlined a vision focused on AI-enabled digital engineering, adaptive autonomy, and human-machine teaming to support future Army transformation. Both leaders affirmed that the state of the ARC is strong, with growing opportunities ahead.
From Lab Models to Real Vehicles: College of Engineering Leadership Advisory Board visits U-M Automotive Research Center
On October 17, 2025, U-M’s Automotive Research Center (ARC) hosted the Dean’s Leadership Advisory Board for interactive demonstrations of cutting-edge autonomous and connected vehicle technologies. Board members experienced hands-on labs and real-time displays—from teleoperation and LiDAR-equipped vehicles to AI-driven control systems and driver cognitive monitoring. ARC researchers highlighted how models move rapidly from lab to hardware, supporting both defense and civilian advances. The visit reinforced ARC’s commitment to innovation, safety, and student growth, reflecting the center’s mission to solve complex mobility challenges through collaborative, real-world research.
ARC Showcases Digital Engineering Testbed to Major General Rogers, Demonstrating Readiness to Support the U.S. Army Transformation
The University of Michigan’s Automotive Research Center (ARC) recently showcased its advanced Digital Engineering testbed to Major General Paul D. Rogers, highlighting breakthroughs in AI-driven autonomous systems, human-machine teaming, and virtual simulations that support U.S. Army modernization.
U-M VP for Research and Innovation Prof. Lupia Highlights U.S. Army Partnership and Digital Innovation at ARC Annual Review 2025
At the ARC Annual Review 2025, Prof. Arthur Lupia highlighted the University of Michigan’s leadership in defense innovation and partnership with the U.S. Army. He emphasized the impact of digital twins, robotics, and automation, reaffirmed U-M’s commitment to advancing defense technologies, and pledged continued support for ARC’s mission and collaborations.