AEM is pleased to announce that it is back with. has joined forces The beam in support of the association's efforts to develop and promote a coherent strategy for the machine manufacturing industry in relation to sustainability.
Through the work of his newly established Sustainability Council, AEM is committed to promoting the success and positive global impact of its members, including emissions reductions, productivity gains, safety improvements and standards development.
“Through our continued partnership with The Ray, AEM will be able to continue fulfilling its mission, providing valuable resources and opportunity, generating ideas for setting sustainability priorities for the device manufacturing industry, and providing a framework of best practices for a more viable world said Sara Feuling, Director of Construction at AEM.
Highways are one of the most polluting and dangerous infrastructure systems in the world, and roadside exits play a significant role in the endangerment of road workers, including mowers. From 2016 to 2019, more than half of all road deaths were due to road demolitions. In response, The Ray started a movement to build net zero highways – Zero Deaths. No loss. Zero carbon. Zero impact. An 18 mile stretch of I-85 in Trope Country, Georgia is The Ray's testing ground for innovative ideas and technology.
Participant of CONEXPO-CON / AGG 2020 may remember The Ray from the show's Tech Experience, where they were immersed in a replica of The Ray's sustainable freeway, including a solar-paved freeway, Connected Roads® Smart Striping, pollinator gardens and bioswales and right of way solar.
Future projects on the Ray Highway will continue to change the infrastructure, highlighting sustainability and above all safety.
One of these future projects is the Robotic Mower Project, in which The Ray will experience and analyze the performance, safety attributes and reliability of robotic mowers on the lawns of a motorway service station.
As part of this project, The Ray will evaluate the equipment for potential use on the roadsides of state highways and interstates in Georgia and serve as a pilot project for other states across the country Missouri DOT and Texas DOT. Ultimately, the project serves to highlight the benefits of investing in and using roadside robotic equipment, including:
- Lower fuel costs
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
- Nourishing soil
AEM recently partnered with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) Bringing together manufacturers who meet the mower specifications for the project. In May 2021, Allie Kelly, Executive Director of The Ray, discussed the project in more detail with several manufacturers who had expressed interest in the project.
Removing the operator from the roadside eliminates the risk not only for the operator but also for those who drive on the roadway. In addition, eliminating risk not only helps The Ray achieve their goal of Zero Deaths, it also enables AEM to achieve its goal of promoting the success of its members and the industries it serves. “
AEM and OPEI members continue to work with The Ray and discuss their involvement in the project.
To learn more about this project, contact AEM Director of Construction Sara Feuling at sfeuling@aem.org or AEM Agricultural Services Manager Austin Gellings aelings@aem.org.
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