University Research Program Now Accepting Research Proposals

The University Research Program is now accepting proposals through October 31 for its next funding cycle. The Raymond Corporation, a Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) brand,created the University Research Program to encourage and support professors and student researchers to apply their engineering and technical skills to foster innovative research that propels the material handling industry forward.

Now in its eighth cycle, the sponsored research program is accepting applications for grant funding that can reach up to $500,000. Selected proposals may receive total financial support of up to $250,000 for one year of research. Open to North American universities, proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility and potential for future commercial application.

Previous grant recipients have explored topics such as flexibility in logistics systems and automation; virtual reality (VR) and operator productivity; omnichannel facilities and vehicle routing; and robotics. Proposal themes for this cycle in the following areas are encouraged; however, alternative themes are welcome, given the broad nature and constant evolution of material handling:

• Adapting material handling for next-generation operators;
• Advanced battery and supporting technologies;
  • Novel battery chemistries;
  • Thermal management strategies;
  • Integrated/structural battery designs;
  • Innovative battery management systems;
  • Hybrid energy storage solutions;
• Circular economy and lifestyle design and sustainability;
• Energy recovery systems for lift truck applications;
• Full-/semiautomation warehouse innovation;
• Intelligent perception and contextual awareness;
• Interoperation of real-time location system-connected and autonomous vehicles;
• Operator assist and awareness;
• Sensors fusion for enhanced perception; and
• Warehouse and fleet-level optimization.

As part of the process, the program will also accept optional concept papers prior to submission of the final proposal. This step in the process is a way for professors and student researchers to connect with the University Research Program reviewers for initial input of their submission. Professors and researchers are encouraged (but not required) to submit a one-page concept paper explaining their proposal. The initial papers must be submitted by August 31.

For more information, visit https://www.universityresearchprogram.com.