Faculty at the University of Michigan College of Engineering conduct groundbreaking research, educate future engineers, and collaborate with disciplines across U-M to anticipate and confront society’s most complex problems. In 2021, there was no shortage of issues to address. From the most powerful laser in the US, to remodeling the construction industry by having robots work with humans, to the world’s smallest computers — here are some of the major advancements in engineering that occurred in 2021.

U-M founds first robotics department among top 10 engineering schools

Established months after opening a world-class robotics complex with Ford Motor Company, the new robotics department will meet demand from industry and students—and define the emerging discipline.

Remodeling the construction industry

Could human-robot collaboration revitalize an outmoded business model and attract new workers?

Snails carrying the world’s smallest computer help solve mass extinction survivor mystery

Study yields new insights into the survival of a native snail important to Tahitian culture and ecology and to biologists studying evolution.

Will power cords go the way of landlines?

Room-sized charging system powers lights, phones, laptops without wires

Most powerful laser in the US to begin operations soon, supported by $18.5M from the NSF

With first light anticipated in 2022, the NSF will provide five years of operations funding, ramping up as the ZEUS user facility progresses to full capacity.