The more things change, the more they stay the same. Thirty years ago, Detroit was the epicenter of the robotics industry – with vast implementation along manufacturing lines for the auto industry. That remains true today, although robotics has evolved from a nascent industry, into an industrial norm across many industries, such as pharmaceutical and electronics. But nearly 50 percent of all industrial robot orders still enter automotive factories, said the Ann Arbor-based Robotics Industries Association.
Time has run out to buy items from certain online stores without having to pay Michigan’s six percent sales tax. A law that took effect Thursday requires Amazon, Overstock and some other Internet retailers, to pay sales and use taxes.
Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Detroit, on September 17, was understandably highlighted by federal funds for the city to get sufficient busing. Less noticed, perhaps, was the announcement that Detroit would be getting an additional $40 million innovation institute, aimed at jump-starting more manufacturing work in the city.
Much more is highlighted in Michigan News.
