Officials from Buffalo, New York, recently convened at the new headquarters of Sentient Science to celebrate the groundbreaking company’s move to the city, the Buffalo News reports.
According to the news source, Sentient, which develops sensors and software that aerospace, defense and energy companies use to test their components, has committed to spending $10.5 million by 2016. In this same period, the company expects to hire 86 employees, giving the Buffalo area a strong economic boost. The city has long been trying to entice more materials sciences companies to the area, and Sentient’s decision to set up shop in the location has many city officials overjoyed.
“Sentient’s choice to move to Buffalo demonstrates what we have known all along—that if we invest in cutting-edge research, companies and jobs will follow,” said New York Senator Charles Schumer. “Furthermore, Sentient’s expertise and their willingness to continuing to partner with UB and others will only help make our future applications for federal research dollars more successful, and will serve as an example to other companies that Buffalo is the place to be in materials science.”
Sentient is branching out of its Idaho Falls research and development facility, instead relocating to the former Butler mansion near the University of Buffalo campus.
Advancing testing sciences
At the new facility, Sentient plans to continue the work it started in 2000, which includes eliminating manual testing of materials that are used to build everything from helicopters and bridges to hip implants and wind turbines. At the core of this technology is a network of simulators and sensors that measure exactly how a particular material will respond to any given stimulus or environment.
All of the tests are conducted virtually, resulting in enormous cost savings for the company.
According to the news source, the company’s work has earned it $23 million in federal and state grants, with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority providing $982,000 to develop a wind turbine gearbox testing system.
The company will use the resources of the university to further its research.
“I am very pleased that we are able to connect Sentient Science’s cutting-edge, technology-testing efforts with computer scientists, engineers and researchers at UB,” said university president Satish Tripathi. “Sentient … will be a valued industry partner as we work together to create new technologies and innovations that improve the quality of life and boost our regional economy.”