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August 2018

Computer co-pilot helps you navigate changing streets

At a glance
The intern

Arvind Srinivasan from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, India

Hosted by

Dr. Malek Mouhoub, University of Regina 

The research

A new computer algorithm to adjust to real-time changes in a mapping application

If you’ve used Google Maps, you’re relying on a computer algorithm to tell you where to go. But what if a recent collision is blocking your route and Google Maps doesn’t know? You might find yourself stuck, with no alternate route available.

Now, one Mitacs intern is searching for a solution. Arvind Srinivasan is researching an algorithm that will integrate real-time changes into existing mapping programs. The new algorithm allows the app to seamlessly adjust your route — without interrupting the navigation. Normally, unexpected changes to the map require more processing power to integrate. The resulting algorithm is slower and less useful as a navigation tool. Arvind’s new methodology could prove essential to solving this processing problem.

Arvind’s supervisor, Professor Malek Mouhoub says, “Arvind’s solution is a novel one. The method is promising, and I’m confident he’ll produce results that could have significant benefits to Canadian industry.”

For Arvind, this research project was his top choice for a summer internship. He comments, “Through this experience, I’ve been able to watch how a skilled researcher works through a problem and see how they would approach it. Working with Professor Mouhoub has taught me about the importance of perseverance.”

Arvind plans to keep in touch with Professor Mouhoub and continue the project after the summer.

“We both feel that the research we’re doing is important, and Professor Mouhoub will mentor me so we can continue the collaboration that we started in Canada. I’m really grateful to have had this experience and am excited to keep it going!”


Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan for their support of the Globalink research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Globalink research internship program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of British Columbia, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, and Research Manitoba.

In addition, Mitacs is pleased to work with the following international partners to support the Globalink research internship program: Universities Australia; Brazil's Unidersidade de Sao Paulo; the China Scholarship Council; Campus France; the German Academic Exchange Service; Mexico’s Secretariat of Public Education and Tecnológico de Monterrey; Tunisia’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Mission Universitaire de Tunisie en Amerique du Nord; and the Ukrainian-Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko.


Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca