Department of Defense Awards Grant to the Advance Michigan Defense Coalition

Grant money will fund project improving defense industries in Southeast Michigan.

The US Department of Defense is awarding a $5.97 million grant to defense industries in Southeast Michigan. The funds will support the Michigan Automated Systems Collaborative, a group dedicated to growing the state’s robotic and automated systems industry.

Vicky Rad is the Deputy Director for the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department.

We’ve always been very strong in the space of autonomy and robotics in the automations line. Well, it’s taking that technology and saying ‘Well can you put that same technology in a vehicle, or can that be in a robot that’s used for soldiers out in the field?’ And looking at some of these companies that are already playing in this space and keeping that talent pipeline alive and breathing.

-Vicky Rad , Deputy Director, Macomb County Planning and Development Dpartment.

Rad says the programs aim to attract graduates in robotics to work on this technology in Michigan. The Macomb/Saint Clair Workforce Development Board will serve as a trustee of the grant and will administer it on behalf of Macomb County. 

Author

  • Bre'Anna Tinsley
    Bre'Anna Tinsley is a reporter for Detroit Public Radio, 101.9 WDET. She covers city government and housing, as well as co-hosting the "Detroit Evening Report" podcast.