Features
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.
Empowering the Next Generation: ARC Celebrates Student Excellence and U.S. Army-Focused Innovation
At the 2025 ARC Annual Review, the Automotive Research Center recognized outstanding student researchers with the ARC Excellence in Research Award and the Best Student Poster Competition, spotlighting their contributions to Army-relevant technology and innovation. These programs not only honor individual excellence but also help develop the next generation of technical leaders for the Department of Defense.
Digital Engineering: Zero Shot or Zero Chance?
At ARC’s 2025 Annual Review in Ann Arbor, top experts from the Army, academia, and industry debated whether digital engineering can fully replace physical prototyping for Army vehicles. While some saw digital tools as the key to faster innovation, others emphasized the irreplaceable value of real-world testing. The lively exchange highlighted the need for both advanced simulation and hands-on validation—showing that the Army’s modernization journey is as much about critical questions as bold technologies.
Accelerating Army Transformation: The ARC and GVSC Forge a Vision for Digital Engineering Excellence
The Automotive Research Center (ARC) and U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) are advancing Army modernization through a unified vision for digital engineering. ARC’s pioneering testbed connects AI, autonomy, and physics-based modeling to rapidly prototype next-generation autonomous ground vehicles. Bridging research and real-world application, ARC invites partners to co-create innovative, mission-ready solutions for the Army’s future force.
Driving the Future of Defense Innovation: ARC and GVSC in the National Spotlight
Senator Gary Peters delivered opening remarks at the ARC Annual Review 2025, highlighting Michigan’s leadership in mobility and ground vehicle innovation as essential to the nation’s defense. Recognizing ARC’s vital partnership with the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center, Peters emphasized the center’s pivotal role in advancing technologies that protect service members and strengthen national security.