White Stone, VA, October 2001—The Executive Committee of the Research and Engineering Council of the Graphic Arts Industry held its Fall 2001 meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 11-12 October 2001. In addition to the technology briefings and planning for future seminars which characterize such meetings, the group visited the Carnegie Mellon University National Robotics Engineering Consortium laboratory and printCafe headquarters. The meeting ensured that forthcoming R&E Council seminars will be held as scheduled. At the National Robotics Engineering Consortium, director of strategic business development Steve DiAntonio described how the laboratory serves both governmental agencies and private industry by developing robotic devices which improve operating efficiency and reduce employee exposure to dangerous environments. At printCafe, president and CEO Marc Olin outlined the structure of the printing industry and described printCafe efforts to tie together Commenting on the meeting, R&E Council managing director Ronald L. Mihills said: "The R&E Council is led by a dedicated group of industry professionals, who plan and execute some of the most popular graphic arts seminars available. At their planning sessions, these leaders are briefed on the latest technologies affecting the industry. At the recent meeting, computer-to-plate and direct imaging plate technologies were discussed by Eugene Langlais of Presstek, advances in computerized material handling research were described by consultant Regis Leonard, and methods of extending cutting blade life were described by Robert F. Schultz of BrightEdge. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to meet the newly named administrator of the Print and Graphics Scholarship Fund, Bernadine Eckart."