Siemens and RIT Announce New Partnership


Collaboration Will Enhance Research and Education in Safety Based Manufacturing

ATLANTA & ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. today announced a new research and education partnership, which seeks to enhance real world training for engineering students, while also improving the safety and design of automated systems used in manufacturing. As part of the agreement, Siemens is donating $250,000 in hardware, software and monetary contributions to RIT's Advanced Systems Integration Laboratory within the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

"Siemens is a worldwide leader in the development of automation controls and we are very proud to be selected to assist them in advancing their technology," notes Sudhakar Paidy, RIT professor of industrial and systems engineering and director of the Advanced Systems Integration Lab. "This partnership will also enable us to greatly enhance the education and research opportunities for RIT's engineering students both in the class room and the lab."

"Education has always been a priority at Siemens in the U.S. and across the globe, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said Dennis Sadlowski, president and CEO of Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. "This partnership with RIT is an opportunity for Siemens to not only support an outstanding educational program, but also benefit from the knowledge and innovation of the students and faculty at RIT."

Paidy's multi-disciplinary team is utilizing the Siemens donation to build four experimental manufacturing set-ups, which will be incorporated into two courses, Machine Design within the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Advanced System Integration in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering. The team is also working to improve the integration of safety controls into automated systems, in an effort to enhance industrial safety and reduce costs associated with the equipment.

"Ultimately, we hope to create a series of undergraduate senior design projects and master's research efforts that will not only enhance RIT's educational mission, but also assist Siemens in improving the design and performance of its manufacturing systems," said Paidy.

About RIT
RIT is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging technology, fine arts and education for the deaf. More than 15,800 full- and part-time students are enrolled in RIT¹s 340 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

About Siemens
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. is one of Siemens' operating companies in the U.S. Headquartered in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Ga., Siemens Energy & Automation manufactures and markets one of the world's broadest ranges of electrical and electronic products, systems and services to industrial and construction market customers. Its technologies range from circuit protection and energy management systems to process control, industrial software and totally integrated automation solutions. The company also has expertise in systems integration, technical services and turnkey industrial systems. For more information: www.sea.siemens.com

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a global powerhouse in electrical engineering and electronics, focusing on the three key sectors of healthcare, industry and energy. Founded 160 years ago in Germany, Siemens AG reported sales of $96.6 billion in fiscal year 2007 (ended September 30). Siemens today employs more than 470,000 people in some 190 countries. In the United States alone, Siemens had sales of over $25 billion (including export sales), fueled largely by infrastructure projects and innovative solutions in the industry areas of medical, automation and control, power, transportation and lighting. Headquartered in New York City, Siemens in the U.S. employs nearly 72,000 people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The U.S. is also home to the global headquarters of nine of Siemens' worldwide businesses. For more information on Siemens in the United States, go to: www.usa.siemens.com

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