Following a vision
The vision of the ERC is to transform fluid power so that it is compact, efficient and effective. This will benefit humanity by significantly reducing energy consumption and creating whole new industries. To achieve this vision, the ERC has four goals. The first goal is to dramatically reduce energy consumption in current uses of fluid power. For the United States, 10% improvement in efficiency would save $7 billion per year. The second goal is to move fluid power into the transportation sector by developing the hydraulic hybrid passenger vehicle. A 10% improvement in the efficiency of automobiles would save $10 billion per year. The third goal is to create fluid power that is portable, wearable, untethered, autonomous, and capable of operating for long periods without external energy sources, thus creating entirely new uses. The fourth goal is to make fluid power ubiquitous by making it leak proof, quiet, safe and easy to use. In upcoming newsletters you will learn more details about the research strategy and how it is structured to achieve our vision.
Plotting a path
Center researchers are honing their research strategies as they work together in preparing a strategic research planning document, to be submitted to NSF at the end of this month.
