Provides applied research expertise across the domains of advanced manufacturing, digital innovation and AI, and the applications of technologies to support e-waste/plastics recycling.
We specialize in automation and robotics applications, industrial control solutions including machine learning and AI based machine control, machine vision and hyperspectral imaging, sensor design and provide mechanical, electrical and electronic design, prototyping and testing services and support. Additionally, we provide exceptional depth and expertise in software design and development to support Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), data collection and predictive analytics, data visualizations and digital twinning, simulations and mixed reality solutions, and cybersecurity.
- Robotics and automation
- Mechanical design, prototyping, testing
- Electronics design, prototyping, testing
- 3D scanning, printing
- Reverse engineering
- Software design, prototyping, testing
- Industrial IoT solutions
- Hyperspectral sensor fusion
- Artificial Intelligence / machine learning
- Machine vision
- Data analytics, visualization, digital twinning
- Augmented and Virtual Reality
- Cybersecurity
- Welding
- Supply chain research
- Automotive
- Clean technology
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Information and communication technologies and media
- Management and business related services
- Manufacturing and processing
- Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) |
FANUC M-710iC/50 industrial robot
|
6 axis articulated robot with a 50Kg payload and 2m reach. Capable of moving workpieces at 2m/s with a repeatability of 0.01mm. |
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) | Universal Robot UR5 (2) | 6 axis collaborative articulated robot with a 5kg payload and 850mm reach. Designed to work with people or in cell free assembly. Ideal for light manufacturing and research applications. |
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) | ABB IRB 360 FlexPicker | ABB Delta Robot with 1m workspace and a payload of 3kg. Capable of 200 picks per minute. Washdown safe. |
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) | FANUC M-3iA/6S 4-Axis Delta Robot | Food-grade robot (colour: white) with 1.35m workspace and a payload of 6kg. Washdown and food safe. |
|
Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab)
|
Hyperspectral object scanning and image processing equipment | Hyperspectral sensors in shortwave infrared, mid-wave infrared and terahertz range to classify and sort plastics and other materials via composition. |
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) |
Presorter
|
Automation test bed to support development of AI assisted waste electronics sorting into generalized waste streams. Single gantry robot (50kg payload) for large e-waste objects plus two delta robots (3kg payload) for smaller e-waste objects. |
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) |
Shredding and Sorting Line
|
Fully featured shredding and sorting line for waste electronics including industry standard magnetic, eddy current, and optical sorters.
|
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) |
Omron LD-60 Mobile Robot (3)
|
Self-navigating Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) for use in manufacturing environment. Dual wheel differential drive. Carrying capacity of 60kg with a maximum speed of 1.8m/s. Two in inventory. |
| Advanced Recycling Technologies Lab (ARTLab) |
Clearpath Ridgeback
|
Low profile omnidirectional automated mobile robot for use in research applications. Fully upgradable and open. Carrying capacity of 100kg with max speed of 1.1m/s. |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) |
Machine Vision Cameras (20)
|
Supply of Line scan and Area scan Industrial Color Cameras from 1 to 16 mega pixels. Smart cameras from Dalsa and Cognex. 3D sensors from various manufacturers with different modes of operation including stereo vision, structured light, time-of-flight, and laser profiling. |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) |
Voltera V-One PCB printer
|
Multi-functional circuit printer |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) | LPKF ProtoFlow E reflow oven | Reflow oven for lead-free soldering and SMT prototyping |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) | LPKF ProtoPrint S SMT stencil printer | Precision manual stencil printer for SMP prototyping |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) | PACE MBT 280 SMT soldering station | Soldering, desoldering and rework station |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) | PACE TF1800 BGA/SMD rework station | Inductive-convective rework technology |
|
Visualization and Sensors Lab (VSL)
|
Mixed Reality Headsets: Microsoft HoloLens 2 (8) HTC VIVE Cosmos (8) |
Support mixed-reality solutions development. |
|
Visualization and Sensors Lab (VSL)
|
Sensor Development Workstations (8)
|
Supports R&D for embedded systems, sensors and general electronics design and testing. Each work station is equipped with oscilloscopes, function generators and power supplies, plus PCs for electronic CAD. |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) |
Deep Learning / GPU Computer Equipment
|
Custom Server with multiple GPUs for deep learning training. Over 10 GPU systems available for inference and training for projects.
|
|
Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML)
|
Creality CR-30 3DPrintMill
|
A uniquely designed FDM continuous feed 3D printer. This printer is designed with a conveyor belt as the base which allows for incredibly long build volumes and unique printing capacity. Printer build volume of 7.87x6.69xInfinite in. |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) | Objet Eden 500V 3D Printer | High accuracy PolyJet 3D printer. Wide material variety being able to print high temperature, clear, simulated rubber, and ABS like materials in a variety of colors. Printer build volume of 19.7x15.7x7.9 in. |
|
Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML)
|
Stratasys F170 3D Printer | Dual extruder industrial FDM printer with model and support material. Can print ABS, PLA, ASA, and TPU model material. Printer build volume of 10x10x10 in. |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) | FormLab 3L SLA 3D Printer | High accuracy stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer. Build volume of 13.2×7.9×11.8 in. |
| Visualization and Sensors Lab (VSL) | Monnit IoT sensors | Wireless, battery operated environmental, power and motion IOT sensors such as temperature sensors, thermocouple sensors, motion detection sensor, particulate meter, voltage meters - 0-5 VDC 0-200 VDC 0-300VAC. |
| Visualization and Sensors Lab (VSL) | Leica Geosystems BLK360 Imaging Scanner | 3D Scanner with integrated spherical imaging system and thermography panorama sensor system |
| Visualization and Sensors Lab (VSL) | Artec Leo 3D Scanner | Handheld 3D scanner |
Private and public sector research partners
- ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
- Conestoga Cold Storage Ltd.
- Eclipse Automation Inc.
- Brose Canada Inc.
- Greentec International Inc.
- TeTechS Inc.
- Niagara Belco Elevator Inc.
- Novalte Inc.