The document summarizes the history and accomplishments of the National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS Center) located at the University of Cincinnati. It describes how the IMS Center was established in 2001 with 12 company members and has grown to over 80 members from 15 countries. It also lists several awards and honors received by the IMS Center and its director Professor Lee for their work in developing prognostic technologies like the Watchdog Agent tool.

1. The National Science Foundation
Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for
Intelligent Maintenance Systems
University of Cincinnati
Baldwin Hall 560
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072
513.556.3412
513.556.3390
imscenter.net
NSF I/UCRC Since 2000 1
IMS Center Highlights
2001 - Established NSF I/UCRC for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) with 12 initial company members: API,
Ford, Harley-Davidson, Intel, ITRI, Johnson Controls, OMRON, Rockwell Automation, Toyota, United Technologies,
USPS and WE Energy.
2003 - Developed First “toolbox approach” to Intelligent Maintenance Systems, dubbed the Watchdog Agent®.
2003 - Applied for Watchdog Agent® Trademark.
2003 - Received Milwaukee Idea Award to recognize the Center’s innovation and contribution to University of
Wisconsin Madison.
2004 - Received Milwaukee Innovation Award from Mayor of Milwaukee to recognize the Center’s impact to city of
Milwaukee.
2005 – Professor Lee (IMS Center Director) appointed Ohio Eminent Scholar in Advanced Manufacturing and L.W.
Scot Alter Chair Professor; relocated the IMS Center to the University of Cincinnati; Renewed membership with
Harley-Davidson, ITRI, United Technologies, OMRON, Toyota; and acquired many new members including: P&G, GE
Aviation, Advantech, Etc.
2006 - Center reaches 40 members with the addition of new University site at Missouri University of Science &
Technology.
2007 – Professor Lee receives Professor of the Quarter Award at the University of Cincinnati.
2008 - Professor Lee receives Professor of the Year Award at the University of Cincinnati.
2010 - Center membership reaches 60 companies since inception.
2011 - Professor Lee receives Distinguished Research Professor Award at the University of Cincinnati.
2012 - The IMS Center receives the National Instruments Prognostic Innovation Award.
2012 - National Instruments begins trial commercialization of the Watchdog Agent®.

2. The National Science Foundation
Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for
Intelligent Maintenance Systems
University of Cincinnati
Baldwin Hall 560
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072
513.556.3412
513.556.3390
imscenter.net
NSF I/UCRC Since 2000 2
2012 - IMS Selected as most economically impactful I/UCRC in the NSF Economic Impact Study Report which found
that the Center has delivered to its members a combined benefit of $847.6 million in cost savings, and that the
Center returned $238.30 of benefits for every $1 invested by the National Science Foundation.
2013 - Center membership reaches 80 companies, from 15 countries, since inception (2001).
2012 - Receive NSF I-Corps Award.
2013 - Formation of Spin-off Company: Predictronics Corporation (Professor Lee, Co-founder). Predictronics
specializes in the development and integration of prognostics and health management solutions for many
applications, including manufacturing, mining and energy.
2014 - Professor Lee receives NSF Alex Schwarzkopf Technological Innovation Prize at the 2014 NSF I/UCRC
Annual Meeting.
2014 - The IMS Center site at the University of Cincinnati has worked with over 70 member companies and
organizations.
2014 - The IMS Center at the University of Cincinnati has received over $4.2 million in membership funding since
2005.
PHM SOCIETY DATA CHALLENGE
Years Applications PHM competition task IMS Ranking Data provider
2008 Jet engine efficiency Remaining useful life prediction 1st and 3rd NASA
2009 Gearbox Key component diagnosis 1st 2nd and 3rd GOODRICH
2010 Milling machine Tool wear prediction 3rd SIMTECH
2011 Wind energy Sensor health estimation 1st and 3rd NRG

3. The National Science Foundation
Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for
Intelligent Maintenance Systems
University of Cincinnati
Baldwin Hall 560
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072
513.556.3412
513.556.3390
imscenter.net
NSF I/UCRC Since 2000 3
IMS CENTER PATENTS
Patent Title Patent # Industry Application
Methods for Prognosing Mechanical System US 2010/0023307 A1 Industrial equipment /
Machine Tools
T2T: Turbine to Turbine Prognostics Technique for
Wind Farms
WO/2011/143531 Wind Farms / Wind
Turbines
Method and System for Prognostics and Health
Management Based on Cloud Computing
UC-112-002 - Provisional
Patent
Industrial equipment /
Manufacturing
Method and System for Electric Vehicle Battery
Prognostics and Health Management
61/509,945 - Provisional
Patent
Electric Vehicles
Methods and System for Energy Prognosis US 2011/0066391 A1 Industrial equipment /
Machine Tools