Innovative Projects Realized

Design and Optimization of the product platform for AIS mobile robots

AIS Inc. is at the forefront of developing practical mobile robots for various markets. Mobile robots are considered as very complex systems comprising of hundreds of interacting components in complex system architectures. Developing such complex robotic systems, particularly in large scale, requires a coherent collaboration and engagement on various specialized areas. All of the complex products which are under development in AIS, have many Common Elements (CE) both in their system anatomy (e.g. common parts, components, modules) and also in their various product development life cycle stages (e.g. requirements, design and implementation processes, testing procedures). Investing time and resources on the CEs can simplify development of products. In order to substantially reduce time and cost and increase efficiency for development of new and existing products, AIS has strategized to increase commonality, reusability, and standardization across various products and subsequently introduce product platforms which are a collection of the CEs and core technologies. The goal of the proposed research is to properly define a product platform for each of the Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Autonomous Vehicle (AV) product families in AIS.

Determining Canadian Healthcare Providers’ Intentions to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine and Improving Current Health Communication Strategies

Some healthcare providers have concerns, misconceptions, and reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which puts them at risk of occupational and public exposure to the virus. This is called vaccine hesitancy, which is defined as the delay or refusal of vaccines in the presence of vaccination services. Widespread vaccination is an effective public health measure in reducing health burdens and nationwide economic restrictions associated with the disease. This project seeks to understand why Canadian healthcare providers have hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine, and identify strategies for improving health communication on COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare providers. Results will determine key factors which explain healthcare providers’ intentions to vaccinate and contribute to the current scientific evidence on health communication, COVID-19, and vaccine hesitancy. The recommendations resulting from this study will provide public health organizations such as the Canadian Public Health Association with guidance how to effectively communicate vaccine information to support ongoing initiatives which focus on building capacity and confidence of healthcare providers.

Multidimensional feasibility assessment of Biosuccinic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass

The project work falls in the field of production of Biosuccinic acid which considered as a important intermediate chemical from woody biomass(lignocellulosic biomass). Conventionally,Succinic acid is made from nonrenewable sources i.e.crude oil. Dr.Rakshit’s lab already patented a process of biosuccinic acid from woody biomass at lab scale. The ultimate objective of this project is to provide an engineering design which facilitates the industry scale production of BSA from lignocellulosic biomass.
Process economy and environment sustainability will be perform by using process simulation software and sustainability tools available at host laboratory. Multi-dimensional assessment of Biosuccinic acid production can serve as a decision-making tool that will help the organizations and or governments in decision making pertaining to allocation of funding for the production of such products based on environment friendly route with minimal chances of failure.

Le développement du secteur de la création numérique dans les régions périphériques du Québec : une approche écosystémique par modélisation itérative

Au Québec, le secteur de la création numérique est en forte croissance et génère des retombées d’environ 1G$/année. Or, les entreprises qui y oeuvrent rencontrent de nombreux défis (accès aux ressources, gestion des opérations, valorisation des extrants, adéquation avec l’environnement de proximité). Comme la création numérique semble jouer un rôle de plus en plus central dans la transition numérique des collectivités, nous nous intéresserons au développement de ce secteur. Pour ce faire, nous concevrons un modèle d’évolution des écosystèmes entrepreneuriaux destiné à soutenir les parties prenantes des régions périphériques du Québec (entrepreneurs, organismes, institutions d’enseignement, pouvoirs publics, etc.) dans leurs efforts pour développer l’entrepreneuriat sectoriel. Notre démarche sera axée sur une intervention de terrain, soit la mise sur pied d’un hub technocréatif en Abitibi-Témiscamingue par l’organisme Les Zybrides. Nous apporterons ainsi une contribution théorique et pratique au sujet qui nous intéresse, tout en renforçant le positionnement d’affaires de l’organisme partenaire.

A decentralized peer-to-peer lending platform using blockchain-based distributed ledger technologies

A Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending platform allows small businesses to obtain working capital funds through an online system, where individuals can anonymously pool together funds for investment.

Instead of relying on a third-party website for crowdfunding (such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo), we propose a decentralized platform for P2P. Unlike traditional P2P lending which is usually done in person, creditors and borrowers should be able to connect and agree on contract terms without requiring any trust or direct ties between the involved parties.

Our objective is to explore the potential use of blockchain technologies to realize a decentralized P2P lending platform. Blockchain technologies can be used to automate certain aspects of the contract, such as serving as an escrow account, and validating term payments. We will deliver a proof-of-concept prototype which implements P2P lending on a blockchain while maintaining confidentiality and security.

Asper School of Business- Carbon Block 2

Carbon-Block Inc. is an environmental auditing start up focused on automation of the verification requirements of carbon offsets. Carbon Block is establishing a double-sided carbon marketplace with 1) Corporations with Corporate Sustainability Goals. 2) Governments and utilities unable to bring their offsets to market due to the audit burden, and decarbonization technologies seeking access to funding that the carbon markets represent. This project will contribute to the writing of the first carbon offset methodology which will offer businesses improved environmental audits and thereby help in fostering a carbon-free community.

GoodLocal Student Internship (Creative Communications/Marketing Specialist & Digital/Ecommerce Specialist)

The Intern will be working in a Marketing/E-commerce Specialist role. This position will include devleoping social media content and delivering it in an engaging way. The intern will also be working on a business case that addresses the question why local. The intern will benefit the partner organization by bringing them creative content ideas.

Virtual Learning Library Internship at SOGC

The virtual library intern will work with the supervisor and the Director of Education and Accreditation to develop a virtual library of virtual teaching resources and materials, including recommending a platform for hosting and creating the infrastructure that meets privacy requirements. The intern will also seek, collect and categorize the virtual materials, ensuring that they are organized and searchable. The intern will also provide advice about how to use technology in an innovative way to improve medical student and resident education.
The internship will provide the SOGC organization with a virtual educational library, including the background research and design and links to the SOGC relevant programs, activities and guidelines.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Mechanisms of Silver-oxysalt Based Wound Care Products

Infection causing bacteria often grow as a community called a biofilm, which once formed becomes protected from the outside environment. In the context of a human infection, this means a biofilm is more resistant to both the immune system and external interventions such as antibiotics. For this reason, biofilms are proposed to be the link between acute and chronic infection. Focusing on the role biofilms play in chronic wound infection, this project will evaluate the role different silver formulations play in preventing or reducing biofilm formation. Exciton Technologies Inc. produces a wound care product with highly oxidized silver species that are more reactive and effective against bacteria than silver species found in other products. Understanding the interaction with biofilm forming bacteria will lead to the production of a low-cost and effective treatment for patients suffering from chronic wounds inflicted by microbial biofilm population and improve patient care.

Business Development/Marketing Specialist – Ekidna Sensing

Ekidna Sensing is in a growth stage and looking out to build marketing model for the future growth that will be established during this covid period replacing the traditional methods in handling the business. The internship will involve collaborating on building the sales/marketing model in the context of COVID19. This could include activities such as improving our target lead list, building sales assets, understanding customer needs from pilot trial data, developing marketing plans to reach the targets, and iterating on these aspects as Ekidna grows. May also be required to measure, analyze, and scope the effectiveness of various sales/marketing aspects.

Mitacs BSI – Cadence Final Document Services

By helping Cadence to digitize the final document process, the intern will contribute to making it easier for Canadians to complete the administrative tasks that come after the death of a loved one. The digital, ‘tell-us-once’ approach will allow users to complete the required paperwork quickly and entirely online, permitting them to grieve wholeheartedly, maintain physical distancing, stay safe from COVID-19 and help ‘flatten the curve’. By simplifying this process, the solution will alleviate distress and anxiety in the bereavement period. Errors, delays, miscommunications and omissions that can lead to financial losses and legal challenges will be prevented.

The goal is to have this software integrate with government IT systems, enabling secure and seamless data transfer. During COVID-19, the federal system is facing increased demands due to the large number of Canadians receiving financial assistance and benefits. By digitizing the submission process for federal forms at the end-of-life, our solution will overcome the limitations posed by paper forms and mail, thereby reducing the workload of employees and improving efficiencies at the government level. Further, it will support the Canadian government in its goal to modernize service delivery and promote a robust digital economy.

Virtual Innovation Hub Development

Mitacs is launching the Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program in collaboration with Canadian business schools. BSI is a 16-week internship program that will offer undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to build a strategic project in alliance with a business or non-profit (NFP) in Canada. The award will offer $10,000 to interested students who are designing a project designed to help the company restore or change business operations in a new economic climate. Throughout the initiative, Mitacs offers online career development resources for students. This exposure to a business internship at a Canadian company is an efficient way to supplement academic programming in order to improve the practical skills necessary for the future economy of Canada.