This research project will develop new methods for detecting space debris, communication signals, and moon dust equipped on spacecraft and satellites to be launched in the future. One of the major concerns with equipment orbiting Earth is the possible collision with space debris. Also, a lunar outpost equipped with the Canadarm3 is planned for completion by 2024 as part of the lunar Gateway. Spacecraft travelling to the lunar outpost and to the surface of the moon will be heavily affected by abrasive moon dust, resulting in the need to detect its presence.

Reinforcement learning has caught significant attention in the past decade with landmark successes including deep Q-net applied to video games and AlphaGo for the game of go. However, the gap is still wide when it comes to application to real world problems mainly due to high training cost. We propose to develop a digital model of a physical system for the purpose of training an autonomous agent. This way, reinforcement algorithms can be trained on the digital model at a fraction of cost. This project will focus on a specific system: MyCobot 280 Pi from elephantRobotics.

With the latest measurements and experimental tests, we have strong evidence that the HubTrack is energy efficient and ecologically sound for a multi-functional transportation solution.

In collaboration with Acadia University and Nova Scotia Power, Innovasea inc. proposes an intern to determine route choice, and measure survival of Atlantic salmon smolt as they descend the Gaspereau River past the White Rock Hydropower Generating Station. This project will be completed in full collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada Scientists. The results will both test new V3 tagging technology and inform mitigation efforts that will reduce negative impacts of dam passage on inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon as they begin their migratory journey to the ocean.

The proposed research aims to develop novel wood foams to be used for thermal insulation in buildings and houses. The wood foam will be designed to replace plastic foams, which are linked to environmental and health concerns. The wood foams will be prepared from unwanted forest residues (beetle killed wood) and green additives to impart strength and flame retardancy. Wet foams will be prepared with several water-based compositions and then oven dried to make porous hard sponge-like materials.

With the increasing effects of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions on climate change, there is also increasing interest to alternatives to internal combustion engines for mobility. Battery electric vehicles are one route, and another is fuel cells. There is increasing interest in polymer composites that are not only mechanically strong and lightweight, but also have other properties, such as electrical and thermal conductivity.

The global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing as it has become the second leading cause of cancer-relateddeaths and the fifth most common cancer worldwide. HCC is heterogenous, arising in the setting of various chronic liver diseasessuch as hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis who develop cancer cannot tolerate therapydue to inadequate liver function.

With our increasing dependence on technology, the total energy consumption from electronic devices for computation is projected to surpass all other contributions. By creating atomic-scale devices at the fundamental limits in size and energy cost, we can reduce their overall energy consumption while increasing computational power. While proof of concept devices are already routinely created, a fully automated fabrication procedure is necessary to successfully merge this technology with current electronic manufacturing processes.

Most of the cost of a product is determined by its design. Among current design theories and methods, there lacks a formal design method to support the design of a product that can be used as two or more products, an example of which is a sofa bed. Design for Versatility (DFV), as a design theory and methodology, will be developed to help designers to design a product that can perform functions of two or more products.

There is a scarcity of affordable custom pressure mapping equipment that enables a more independent life for persons suffering from neuropathy due to paraplegia or aging. Such individuals with limited mobility are at risk of developing pressure ulcers due to their lack of reactive nerve signaling, which can be life threatening.