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is named for Jere Lynn and Jim Burkhart whose financial gifts made possible the establishment and mission of the center. Last year, it was announced that Faulkner would begin plans for its own autism center. The university leadership reached out to the Burkharts and Texas Tech University to help with “best prac- tices” and moving forward in developing a similar center, one that would use Jere Lynn’s original concept as its foundation. “Jere Lynn’s original idea was to educate parents and teachers and she also became involved in the transition program so that we can help students once they leave high school to develop social skills, life skills and employment skills,” said Janice Magness, the director of the Transition Academy at the Burkhart Center. Burkhart’s research, hard work and tenacity were the break- through that autism education needed and in so doing she has helped spur others to action across the country. The Burkhart Center continues that work through research that identifies effective interventions for those with autism, illuminates the behavioral and physiological underpinnings of autism and informs profes- sional training and development of teachers and therapists to im- prove the lives of people with autism every day. 60 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com L A Q UINTA I NN & S UITES IS F IRST H OTEL IN THE S TATE TO I NTRODUCE R OBOT B UTLER Opelika’s newest hotel, the La Quinta Inn & Suites, introduced a Savioke Delivery Robot last week. This delivery-service robot, affec- tionately named TigerBot, essentially serves as a butler, ensuring guests have a comfortable and memorable stay. The La Quinta is the first property in Alabama to implement the room service robot. TigerBot is able to deliver everything from food and beverages to linens and toothpaste directly to the guest’s room. Using cameras and motion-sensing technology, the robot navigates through the hotel to the elevator and carries the requested items to the specified room, much like traditional room service. The system integrates with the front desk phone lines so guests receive a call alerting them that TigerBot has arrived. Once the items are delivered, TigerBot will give the guest an option to rate their service. Giving a five-star rating will prompt the new robot to dance and make noises, sure to entertain visitors staying in the hotel. TigerBot is approximately 3 feet tall, weighs less than 100 pounds, and is designed to travel at a human walking pace, according to an article in the Robotics Business Review. For more information about the TigerBot or the La Quinta Inn & Suites, contact Richard Richards, director of operations, at richard@auhospitality.com or call 334.246.3781. n