National Fluid Power Association part of new $21 million research center

Industry partners will augment NSF funding with $3 million, and seven universities will contribute an additional $3 million. The center will be based at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

Among its goals are reducing fuel consumption, developing devices for people with disabilities, and designing state-of-the-art rescue robots. It will involve a nationwide network of engineering researchers and educators; manufacturers, suppliers and distributors in the fluid-power industry; and the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA).