Jeff Jaczkowski:Robotics Champion

By Ms. Lori Grein (IMCOM)April 14, 2011

Jeff Jaczkowski:  Robotics Champion
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Jeff Jaczkowski:  Robotics Champion
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ORLANDO, Fla. - Jeff Jaczkowski, deputy project manager, Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RS JPO), was recognized for his contributions within the military robotics community, March 23, at the 2011 National Defense Industry Association (NDIA) Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference and Exhibit.

Jaczkowski received the honor of "Robotics Champion" and was awarded a plaque presented by Maj. Gen. (retired) Barry Bates, vice president NDIA Operations.

NDIA defines the Robotics Champion as "a person who is recognized as a leader in advancing and transitioning systems and technology from the lab to the field for our Warfighters."

"Jeff represents the best of the best of the Army's Research, Development and Acquisition community," Joe Dyer, chairman of the Ground Robotics Division for NDIA, wrote in a letter commending Jaczkowski's achievement. "This award is an acknowledgement by members of the robotics industry of his strong voice in the application of robotic technology and robotic systems to support and compliment military missions."

With 23 years of government service, Jaczkowski is a seasoned leader in the field of autonomous navigation and robotic technologies.

In his current position as deputy project manager for the RS JPO, Jaczkowski has played a major role in supporting the Joint Warfighter. He has been the driving force behind the rapid fielding of robotic platforms to help increase the standoff from threats, especially the Improvised Explosive Device. Jaczkowski also ensures the Warfighter is fully equipped to accomplish their robotic missions by providing the necessary system training and maintenance provisions to keep their robots operational.

"He is passionate about the Warfighter and has incredible respect and admiration for the men and women in uniform he supports," an NDIA representative said.

Jaczkowski's previous professional experience includes working as an electrical engineer in the Vetronics Technology Area for the Driver's Automation and Robotics Team, performing as team leader for the US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's (RDECOM) Tank-Automotive, Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) Autonomous Navigation Team, serving as co-chairman of the RDECOM Robotics Integrated Project Team, and managing operations as the supervisor deputy associate director (Engineering) of the Intelligent Ground Systems Technology Area.

Jaczkowski also serves as the president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

Scott Davis, program executive officer, PEO Ground Combat Systems, and Lt. Col. Dave Thompson, project manager, RS JPO, were on hand to congratulate Jaczkowski and help celebrate his achievements.

"I'm proud of Jeff's accomplishments," Davis said. "He is dedicated to providing our Warfighters with the very best autonomous systems and is truly an asset to our organization."

In honor of Jaczkowski's achievement, and in lieu of a formal prize, the NDIA will make a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Program in his name.