Innovative Projects Realized

Push-Pull Chromophores for Electro-Optic Materials

Robotics for precise positioning of battery cells for laser beam welding using image processing

Photochemical Reaction Engineering for Sustainability and the Energy Transition

Machine Learning in Warehouse Logistics – TU Dortmund University (Germany)

Comparison of manufacturing cost of additive manufacturing process chains

Multi-parameter Fiber-optical Sensors for Low-Concentration Hydrogen Gas Detection

Physical Telepresence with Multiple Tabletop Robots

We will introduce TeleBots, a new approach to physicalizing the remote person’s presence through multiple tabletop robots. Unlike traditional mixed reality telepresence like Holoportation, in which the remote user can only be visually and spatially present, TeleBots allows virtual humans to physically affect and interact with remote environments. In our system, the holoported remote person can touch, grasp, move, and manipulate remote tangible objects as if they were co-located in the same space. Our system uses synchronized bi-directional interactions between a holographic avatar and mobile robots to create this illusion. Specifically, we will use Azure Kinect, a depth sensor, to create the remote user’s avatar and acquire its movements, and Hololens2, an AR device, to display the avatar. Meanwhile, Sony Toio, mobile robots, will be utilized to translate the remote user’s movements into physical interactions in the local environment. Our approach could increase the level of co-presence in remote collaboration, while allowing scalable, deployable, and generalizable for various applications.

Mariana Cip and Xi Ge – Liminality Innovations Inc.

Merge™ is a clinical trial and real-world validated model of family centered care for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Health care provider roles broaden with a focus on educating and supporting parents as they gain knowledge, skills, and confidence in care of their baby. A standardized implementation process supports operationalization to increase fidelity to this model of FICare and ensure desired outcomes. With Merge™, parents are less stressed and more confident, babies go home sooner, and hospitals avoid costs. The aim of the MBSI project is to (1) complete digitization of fidelity audit processes, and beta test; (2) update business documents and financial projections to integrate new fidelity audit processes; (3) convene a coalition of neonatal care leaders to strategize about a regional approach to adopting Merge™.

Determining optimum fungicide control of Mycosphaerella blight and white mould in peas

Manitoba field peas are damaged by a wide-spread, plant disease known as blight and can lower the grade of the peas harvested and even the yield. Foliar fungicides can protect healthy plants but it is important for farmers to know when it is the best time to spray for the best control of the disease. More and more acres of peas are being grown in Manitoba now and managing disease is more important than ever. There are commercially available fungicides and farmers have a hard time knowing which one to use and when. This project will compare five fungicides on pea crops in three locations and determine how well the products work to control blight in peas The results of the project will be provided to the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers and then shared with their producer members. This information will help farmers growing field peas, make decision about when to spray for blight control and what product may work best for their crop.

Durham Community Energy Plan – Evaluation Framework

In 2018 the Region of Durham created the Durham Community Energy Plan (DCEP), Durham Region’s strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a green economy. Achieving the goals of the DCEP will provide multiple economic, environmental and social benefits to Durham Region. Successful implementation of the DCEP however will require collecting and reporting on data from multiple groups (e.g. government, community organizations, postsecondary institutions, and utilities) to ensure that the goals of the DCEP are met. The purpose of the current project is to develop a framework to evaluate the success of DCEP goals.

Implementation of Hyperspectral Imaging for intraoperative tissue characterization

Grassworks: What works and why in grassland restoration in Germany?