b'The Importance of Robotics in Distribution CentersAmy Lucia EvansSponsor: Dr. HojjatieAutomation in distribution centers offers a range of benefits. The most beneficial benefit in a business point of view is that the productivity if a warehouse is increased while reducing work related accidents hence reducing the risk related to labor.During the COVID-19 pandemic the world saw an all-time height of labor in warehouses and fulfillment centers as the world transitioned into lock downs and rising online sales. Even though most warehouses brought up their minimum wage businesses found it hard to retain work, therefore it was hard to be able to fulfill order and keep up with demand. This is why automation has become so important. Automation takes out the uncertainty of not having a big enough work force. Being able to run a warehouse with less manpower and eliminating most of the physically strenuous jobs helps warehouses bring down their turnover rate. Currently we see the use of robotics in many different aspects of distribution centers such as assembly, order filling, palletizing, cross-docking, long hauls, depalletizing, packing lines, and packaging lines. The use of robotics would allow warehouses to be responsive, resilient, and reliable to the ever-growing e-commerce market, by improving existing warehouse capabilities.Analysis of Survey Data Related to the ValdostaSmart City Project using Qualtrics SoftwareThomas A. Barton and James J. NixSponsor: Dr. HojjatieThe Travel Safely App, in conjunction with a survey that was designed at the VSU engineering program, is being used to help keep those affiliated with Valdosta State University and its community safe in regard to traffic. By using the Qualtrics software that allows the creation of a survey and data collection, those that collected the data regarding traffic and pedestrian activity are able to implement the use of the Travel Safely app and create a unified traffic management system. The data collected is used to optimize traffic flow and is able to protect pedestrians on campus. It is also able create the most effective route for emergency vehicles by making sure that when the vehicle is approaching a stop light, the light is green no matter what. By using the Qualtrics XM application, the creators can monitor intersections and can determine the overall effectiveness of Travel Safely app as it is implemented on Valdosta States campus. The purpose of this study is to analyze the data collected, and use said data to determine the effectiveness of the app and the overall safety of the surrounding intersections.44'