Bill Richardson, who graduated from Auburn in 1969 with a master’s degree in electrical engineering, spent 26 years working for International Paper (IP) at a time when computer-control innovation was on the rise. Richardson and a team of co-workers, including Auburn engineering alums John Botts (’64 and ’66 mechanical engineering) and Wayne Dobson (’69 electrical engineering), pioneered such efforts for the company, resulting in the first fully computer-controlled paper mill in the world in 1981. Richardson recently detailed the team’s experiences of building a paper mill around the computer for the Computer History Museum of Mountain View, Calif. His report can be found in the museum’s permanent archive collection.
Recent Posts
AUBURN ENGINEERING NEWS
- Auburn Engineering communications and marketing team nationally recognized for written, digital content November 11, 2026The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Office of Communications and Marketing recently earned four Council for Advancement and Support of Education Best of District III awards and 19 honors in the 14th annual Education Digital Marketing Awards for written and digital content.
- Auburn Engineering tests smart crosswalk technology to improve pedestrian safety November 10, 2026Auburn Engineering researchers are testing smart crosswalk technology on South College Street to improve pedestrian safety through automatic detection and alerts.
- Auburn University mechanical engineering alumni establish scholarship to honor fallen airman, graduate November 9, 2026Auburn Family invited to support memorial endowment honoring Maj. Alex Klinner