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Pratt Miller Mobility (PMM), in concert with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and PlanetM, demonstrated its Large Area Autonomous Disinfecting (LAAD) Vehicle at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in front of key stakeholders and members of the press.
LAAD, the first-of-its-kind to be deployed in the U.S., is a connected, electric and autonomous disinfecting robot that dispenses FDA-approved disinfecting materials through a multi-head electrostatic sprayer array. The electrostatic technology sprays disinfectant into the air and adheres to surfaces for maximum virus protection, while the autonomous platform monitors and guarantees coverage through the use of sensors and data analysis.
LAAD has been surveying and disinfecting areas of the airport since Monday and will continue doing so through Friday.
“The new technology from Pratt Miller is a great tool in our Fly Safe. Fly Ford. campaign to restore confidence in the flying public,” said Tory Richardson, CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “We appreciate the partnership with Pratt Miller and support from the MEDC that enable us to test leading-edge technology to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
“This continues to build on the partnership between Pratt Miller and the state in delivering transportation solutions that reflect the leading-edge technology we aim to provide across all forms of mobility,” said Trevor Pawl, chief mobility officer of the state of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. “Pratt Miller’s ability to pivot their product development capabilities in support of innovative solutions that fight the virus showcases the company’s expertise and the culture of innovation rooted here in Michigan. We’re thrilled to see this pilot off the ground and look forward to its successes.”
“At Pratt Miller we provide solutions to complex mobility problems,” said Simon Dean, Pratt Miller’s Vice President of Mobility and Innovation, following the demonstration.
“COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the way the world moves. LAAD-V is one solution that will allow us to safely get back to business and our daily lives – and thanks to our partnership with MEDC and Gerald R. Ford Airport, we are one step closer.”
About Pratt Miller Mobility
Pratt Miller is a groundbreaking engineering and product development company. The company’s winning roots in motorsports enable their team to deliver ingenious solutions to its clients’ most challenging problems and wildest ideas.
Pratt Miller Mobility serves the spectrum of the mobility industry, from the world’s largest automotive OEM’s to budding start-ups, commercial truck to powersports – to bring their vision into reality.
For more information on LAAD, please visit www.prattmiller.com/LAAD or contact Christopher Andrews at candrews@prattmiller.com
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