Date: Fri 24-Jan-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Japan-Prize-Engelberger

Full Text:

Engelberger Wins Japan Prize For Engineering w/ cut

Joseph F. Engelberger, of Taunton Hill Road, Newtown, has been named one of

four laureates of the 1997 Japan Prize. The chairman and director of HelpMate

Robotics, Inc, in Danbury, was given an award in the prize category "Systems

Engineering for an Artifactual Environment."

Dr Engelberger had the foresight to realize machines called "robots" would

markedly improve productivity, and was a key person in the development and

introduction of robots for practical purposes. He has greatly contributed to

the long-term expansion and development of the world economy by innovatively

improving productivity in the manufacturing industry.

The Japan Prize was created in 1983 by The Science and Technology Foundation

of Japan with the endorsement of the Japanese Cabinet. The awards, which are

offered every year in two different categories, were first presented in 1985.

The Japan Prize was created to commend scientists and technologists throughout

the world for major scientific and technological achievements that advance

peace and the prosperity of mankind.

Each prize laureate receives a certificate of merit and commemorative medal.

Dr Engelberger, and Dr Hiroyuki Yoshikawa, president of The University of

Tokyo who won in the same category, will split the $440,000 cash prize.

Dr Engelberger received his BS and MS from Columbia University in New York. He

was chief engineer for Manning Maxwell & Moore; founder and president of

Consolidated Controls Corporation; founder, president and director of

Unimation Inc; vice president of Condec Corporation; founder and chairman of

Transitions Research Corporation (TRC); and is currently chairman and director

of HelpMate Robotics Inc (successor to TRC).

He is the author of numerous major publications and scientific papers, and has

received many major awards and honors including Progress Award from the

Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Leonardo da Vinci Award from the American

Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Machinist Award, and the Egleston

Medal from Columbia University.

The four Japan Prize winners will be honored during a presentation ceremony on

April 25 at the National Theatre in Tokyo, Japan.

The Robot Industries Association of the United States honored Dr Engelberger

by naming an award after him, the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award, which

is given annually by the association to individuals who have contributed

greatly to the science and application of robots.