ONR Showcases Fuel Cell Vehicle at 2011 PACOM Conference

By Geoff Fein, Office of Naval Research

Arlington, Va. (NNS) -- The Office of Naval Research showcased the latest innovations in fuel cell vehicles, robotics and weapons during the 2011 Pacific Operational Science and Technology Symposium and Exhibit in Honolulu, March 14-17.

This year's conference focused on "Forging Regional Science and Technology Ties: Synergizing International Partnerships to Meet Shared Objectives."

Panel discussions explored timely topics such as nuclear safety and climate change in the Asian pacific, as well as the Navy's maritime strategy.

ONR was among more than 45 exhibitors at the annual conference. ONR's exhibit included a hydrogen-based fuel cell vehicle, designed and manufactured by General Motors for the Marines in Hawaii. The vehicle is anticipated to be available to the public by 2015.

Additionally, visitors to ONR's booth learned about the Navy's Electromagnetic Railgun; the Remote Environmental Monitoring Units System; and Octavia, the mobile, dexterous, social android.

Speakers at the conference included Dr. Walter Jones, ONR's executive director, who discussed a range of science and technology efforts, including autonomous vehicles and directed energy.