Bay City Inventor to Present Robotic Fueling Concept to SAE in Detroit
Jim Hollerbach On Tap Monday for SAE World Congress
April 15, 2007
By: Dave Rogers
Jim Hollerbach
Bay City Inventor
James A. Hollerbach, holder of the nation's first patent for robotic vehicle fueling, will unveil his concepts to world auto industry leaders in Detroit on Monday.
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, in her weekly radio address on Friday, previewed the upcoming Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 2007 World Congress at Cobo Hall next week in Detroit.
Hollerbach will appear at a special session in Cobo Hall at 11 a.m. SAE has distributed summaries of his invention and environmentally-friendly fueling concepts to its members prior to the conference.
"With their focus this year on sustainability and environmentally conscious technological advancements, the SAE's mantra that "It's Up to Us" speaks to all Michigan citizens and especially our entrepreneurs," Granholm said.
"We have an opportunity right now to lead the nation in developing renewable fuels and alternative energy sources that will drive sustainability in the automotive industry and beyond."
Hollerbach will tell the SAE that four of five drivers surveyed by Michigan State University want automated fueling of their vehicles. Also, 98.5 percent of drivers surveyed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America also need and want the process.
Auto industry innovations such as capless fueling, to be original equipment on Ford 2008 models, are paving the way for his invention. Presently only NASA and the U.S. Air Force are using automated fueling, although buses and cars in Europe are fueling vehicles with robots.
He will report on successful results of a three year test of his Holtech, Inc., system by Trans American Robotic Fueling, a Lansing company, at the Chicago Transit Authority.
Savings in personnel costs using robotic fueling are estimated at 25 percent plus for commercial and governmental users. Other benefits included elimination of spillage, reduction of vapors that contribute to global warming, automated data collection, safety and accessibility for physically challenged and elderly drivers.
"This is an emerging technology offering a window of opportunity for SAE to provide leadership in the U.S., achieve parity in world markets and help address an environmental crisis," commented Mr. Hollerbach.
Governor Granholm noted that Michigan continues to be a leader in advanced automotive design and manufacturing technology, with more automotive research and development centers located in the state than in the rest of North America combined.
Granholm's comprehensive economic plan builds on Michigan's rich automotive heritage to grow new segments of the economy such as alternative energy, life sciences, and homeland security.
Granholm also noted the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) presence at the SAE World Congress. The MEDC pavilion at Cobo Hall will offer information to business leaders on opportunities to invest, grow, and create jobs in Michigan.
Interested persons may contact Mr. Hollerbach at Holtech, Inc., 989-450-4818 or e-mail at jhollerbach07@sbcglobal.net.###