Tim is a true pioneer in the deployment of immersive intelligent visualization technologies, and it is with great pride that I support him as a thought leader for industry. He is a natural leader and teacher. I have known Tim for over a decade and I have respected his impressive work in deploying smart technologies at General Motors. As an early adopter of immersive virtual reality, I collaborated with Tim on areas of advanced intelligent technologies that benefit the entirety of industry. Tim continues to influence industrial design and engineering, sharing knowledge on how to apply technology to solve real business problems in industry. Tim is a prolific connector, and bring people together to benefit industry. He is a collaborator and shares his time and talents to develop not only XR and AI technologies that specifically benefit industry, but also advocates for its efficient and proper use. This perfect balance of virtual form and function has allowed him to develop many innovative technologies, which is a true indicator of his dedication to being an exceptional engineer by enabling the wide-spread use of his work. The result for commercial enterprise has provided incredible efficiencies in industrial design and manufacturing. His impact on business process is impressive, which extends beyond his own contributions due to the information he disseminates throughout industrial design, engineering and manufacturing. Tim has inspired industry in immersive visualization, and has taken it from a concept to a mainstream product used in product design, ergonomics and scientific visualization at GM. His work is the basis for improved use of other immersive environments, and now includes intelligent data. Tim has continued to advocate for the smart use of technology in industry in the context of extended reality and interactive technologies. He is a very highly regarded thought leader and XR/AI evangelist. The people he influences by extension of the instruction and passion imparted by Tim have developed products, innovated and made many corporations stronger and more competitive by use of these technologies. Tim’s approach is collaborative, open and welcoming. He is truly a delight to work with, as he inspires new thought and brings out the best in people. Tim also has supported the growth of immersive and intelligent technologies by his strong contributions at technical conferences and as CTO at Lenovo.

Tim's exceptional ability to drive innovative technology solutions has consistently positioned him at the forefront of the industry, particularly in the field of immersive technologies. During our time together at General Motors, Tim's passion and drive were unmistakable. He was instrumental in developing pioneering technologies that not only propelled GM forward but often set new industry standards. His role in evaluating future technologies and developing practical use cases, especially around immersive tech, was unparalleled. Tim was the go-to expert for cutting-edge technological initiatives, consistently leading GM into uncharted territories with confidence and foresight. More recently, I have observed Tim's impressive evolution into an AI expert. He has taken his profound knowledge to new heights, applying AI in innovative and impactful ways. His reputation in the Detroit tech community is well-deserved; he is recognized for his deep expertise, extensive network, and his remarkable ability to make complex topics accessible and exciting. Tim’s presentations and discussions are not just informative but also inspire enthusiasm and understanding among his audience. Tim’s approach to technology is not just theoretical; it’s deeply rooted in practical application. This hands-on, results-driven mindset is what sets him apart. He is a brilliant "do-er," someone who applies his vast knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios. This pragmatic approach to innovation is particularly valuable in an educational context, where the bridge between theory and practice is crucial. In summary, Tim Bates is an exceptional professional whose contributions to the field of technology, particularly at General Motors, showcase his outstanding capabilities. His dedication to advancing technology, combined with his ability to engage and inspire those around him, make him an ideal fit for the University of Michigan Flint. His involvement will undoubtedly bring a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic, practical approach to technology education and innovation.