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02-09-04
RESEARCH CENTER AT PENN STATE BEHREND PROVIDES ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR GE TRANSPORTATION
Engineers in the Center for Navigation, Communication, and Information Systems (CNCIS), an applied research center located in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Penn State Behrend, have collaborated with GE Transportation to develop wireless monitoring and diagnostic communication devices that will enhance security and operational efficiency for rail customers.
MHF Logistical Solutions, a provider of transportation and materials management services in Cranberry Township, Pa., recently announced that it is working with GE Transportation to test the wireless communication devices developed with CNCIS. In addition to reducing operational costs for railroads and those who transport cargo by rail, the devices are expected to enhance security and safety. Glen Shaffer, GE Transportation engineering development manager, likened the new technology to "creating a virtual custodian for rail cars."
"One of CNCIS' strengths is its understanding of real-world applications of wireless technology," said Dr. Robert Simoneau, director of Behrend's School of Engineering and Engineering Technology. "That understanding, combined with the center's in-depth expertise in GPS, satellite communication, sensor integration, and systems engineering, allowed us to develop technology that meets the needs of GE Transportation and its customers."
"We were able to make the system hardware communicate by using customized software applications written by CNCIS engineers." said Dr. Robert A. Gray, director of the center. "Our graduate students are exceptionally strong in telecommunications and probability theory." In fact, Gray said, two CNCIS graduate students, Ajay Grewal and Rohan Abraham, recently provided a briefing on the CNCIS research on power consumption findings for wireless technology to engineers at GE's Global Research Center.
CNCIS and Gray have been working with GE Transportation for five years to enhance remote monitoring and diagnostics technology. The alliance between the center, GE Transportation, and MHF Logistical solutions was facilitated by the Center for eBusiness and Advanced Information Technology, an economic development organization based in Knowledge Park at Penn State Erie and supported by funding from Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Technology Authority.
Companies interested in learning more about the wireless communication research and development conducted by CNCIS may call Penn State Behrend's School of Engineering and Engineering Technology at 814-898-6387. |
