Innovative Projects Realized

Design and fabrication of a power-efficient AI-Processor for Edge computing

This project will allow us to develop a microelectronic chip prototype of an energy-efficient AI processor. The AI processor exhibits a 1000 times reduction in power profile compared to standard cloud-based GPUs. Tasks that can be transferred from server GPUs to this solution and deploying our AI-Processor solution to EDGE can estimate substantial energy savings when evaluated over ten years under realistic assumptions. We estimate a net reduction of 83K tonnes of CO2 equivalent over ten years, helping Quebec significantly achieve its clean environment objectives. Economically, this will help Aarish Technologies to launch its product with a solid foundation of intellectual property and to grasp the demands of the mar

Development of Novel Aluminum Alloys and Metal Matrix Composites Strengthened with Rare Earth Elements and Nano Ceramic and Carbon Particles

This purpose of the proposed project is to comprehensively study the effects that nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and nano-scale particles have on the microstructure and high temperature mechanical properties of aluminum-cerium (Al-Ce) based alloys. This research will use conventional sintering and casting processes to determine how varying the cooling rate during casting and material composition affects the microstructure and mechanical properties. For the first time, composite nano-sized particles will be introduced to the Al-Ce-Ni/Fe/Mn alloys and the resulting material will be examined thoroughly using state of the art microscopes and material testing and analyzing equipment. The new alloys will be subjected to a wide variety of mechanical tests at elevated temperatures (250-350°C). The development of a new temperature resistant Al alloy, with improved properties, will enable the transportation industry to reduce material consumption, improve operating efficiency of engines and reduce harmful green house gas emissions.

Production of FDCA directly from glucose/fructose in a continuous-flow two-stage reactor system and study of reaction kinetics

2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), as one of the most promising green chemicals, has found a variety of commercial applications, particularly in the synthesis of polyesters, polyamides, and plasticizers as well as adhesives and coatings. FDCA is commonly produced from pure 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) by selective oxidation. However, pure 5-HMF is by far very expensive, generated by catalytic dehydration of carbohydrates (sugars, starch or cellulose), in which the yield and selectivity are still low due to the formation of byproducts such as humins, hence posing a big challenge for commercial-scale production of FDCA. Alternatively, synthesis of FDCA directly from biomass or sugars through 5-HMF intermediate could be economically viable and sustainable. In this Mitacs Accelerate project, our existing continuous-flow biphasic catalytic reactor system (15g/h) for HMF synthesis will be modified to a two-stage continuous-flow process for production of FDCA directly from glucose/fructose and for study of reaction kinetics.

Optimisation de la réfection des groupes turbine-alternateurs dans une centrale hydroélectrique

Dans les centrales hydroélectriques, les groupes turbine-alternateurs sont réparés et installés selon un calendrier de travaux. Compte tenu de leur taille, d’autres pièces doivent être déplacées pour accéder aux pièces à démonter, réparer ou à installer. Afin de déterminer le plan d’aménagement des pièces, plusieurs contraintes doivent être respectées : 1) le calendrier des travaux, 2) l’espace disponible pour les pièces, 3) l’accessibilité aux pièces à réparer et à installer et 4) les normes de santé et sécurité au travail. De plus, les déplacements des pièces ainsi que l’encombrement dans la centrale doivent être minimisés. Actuellement, ce plan est conçu à tâtons et vérifié par un simulateur. Ce processus est long et exige souvent des déplacements d’autres pièces. L’objectif principal de ce projet consiste à proposer un outil d’aide à la décision automatique permettant de déterminer le plan d’aménagement des pièces en développant un logiciel d’optimisation de boîtes noires.

Harmonisation de données d’imagerie de diffusion par auto-encodage adversariel avec respect de contraintes anatomiques

L’acquisition de données d’imagerie de diffusion est suceptible à un important problème de variabilité à travers les différents sites d’acquisition (e.g. Sherbrooke vs. Montréal) et à travers les fabricants (e.g. Siemens vs Philips). Puisque ces données de diffusion ne sont pas invariantes aux protocoles et scanners utilisés, il s’agit d’un problème de taille pour les études cliniques qui désirent utiliser des données provenant de multiples sites d’acquisition. Les algorithmes d’apprentissage profonds semblent adaptés à ce type de problème et pourraient permettre de nouvelles avancées technologiques dans le domaine de l’harmonisation de données.

Development of social and economic indicators for sustainable remediation

The proposed research will develop and test a sustainable remediation framework and set of proposed social and economic ind icators. The framework will build upon existing tools and complement current practices and regulations. The intern ‘s work is part of SRC’s two-year project is to provide a new niche service that will help SRC’s clients select the optimal remediation alternative. Objectives of the project are to deliver a technical report describing a framework, tools, methods and metrics to be used to support decision-making process to achieve sustainable remediation, and to test the framework and demonstrate expertise in this field through case studies. The additional understanding of social and economic indicators will allow SCR to initiate sustainable remediation for different industry resource sectors.

Detection of human presence integrated into a manipulator robot

To be safe, collaborative robots must be able to detect human presence in their workspace. Different technologies exist to detect intrusions within a predetermined perimeter (physical barriers with switches, light curtains, etc.). However, these technologies require considerable modifications to the workspace, thus hampering their integration. We propose to integrate this functionality into a collaborative robot manipulator in order to minimize the necessary modifications to the workspace and thus reduce the costs of its integration. We will explore the various existing sensing technologies (laser, ultrasound, vision, etc.) to determine which sensors are able to meet existing detection standards (for example, ISO 13849 cat. 3 level D). The complete system will be demonstrated on a robot integrating the selected sensors and an on-board processing system that will be able to modulate the speed and trajectory of the robot according to the human presence in its workspace.

Milksta Moms Inc- Marketing and Business Development

Milksta Moms Inc is a startup company that manufactures and supplies decaf-coffee and tea powder designed to boost milk supply for nursing mothers. The company is planning to introduce a new line of products in the upcoming year. Milksta also aims to take its products into large retail chains like Walmart, Costco, and Target in the USA and Canada. Likewise, the company is looking to get the products into lactation clinics, natural and organic product stores.
The primary focus of the internship is on the growth of the company through marketing and business development activities. Our main goal is to increase brand awareness, increase networking, secure retailers in the USA and Canada, and market penetration in Europe. The arrangements with a few investors to take the products to retailers are underway. As operational activities will be moving fast in the upcoming year, there will be an equal need for rigorous marketing and business development activities. These activities will comprise developing ideas for promotional activities, identifying the most effective channel for promotions, monitoring, and measurement activities. Moreover, the focus will also be on strategies for business development, producing valuable and engaging content for the website and social media accounts, and many more. We will be developing policies and procedures for branding, customer service, and social media marketing to support the implementation of the aforementioned activities. Through this project, we aim to help Milksta grow their business, build the brand, and reach a large number of audiences in the USA and Canada.

Primeau Inc. – Executive Apprentice

For IMPACT SOCIETY: Development of the business processes required to be a sustainable and growing organization. Focus will be on the development of the plans and implementation of key activities to expand the organizations reach, refine information systems, improve operations, and grow revenues.

For GoodPin, the strategic analysis will focus on refining the sales cycle, onboarding, and implementation of the platform for corporate and charity clients.

The intern will contribute key growth and sustainability plans and supports for both Goodpin and IMPACT SOCIETY which in turn will benefit Canadian Youth through the work of IMPACT, and support a variety of charities and causes across the country through the Goodpin clients.

Étude de la revalorisation de la dorure dans une ligne de production alimentaire

Le projet de revalorisation de la dorure va permettre à l’entreprise de changer ses méthodes de production afin d’atteindre
un niveau plus élevé et une meilleure standardisation de la gestion de leurs déchets d’origine alimentaire. En plus, de
diminuer leur impact sur l’environnement en optimisant l’utilisation de matières premières et leur valorisation en fin de
conception, le projet a pour but de diminuer les dépenses liées à cet enjeu. En effet, à l’heure actuelle, La Boulangerie
Lanthier jette des tonnes de dorure due à sa production et doit payer une société pour pouvoir disposer convenablement
de cette dorure.
Les contributions attendues sont donc à la fois une diminution de cette dépense, dans le meilleur des cas une génération
de revenus avec les résidus de dorure, et une réduction conséquente des déchets enfouis sous terre dans les sites prévus
à cet effet.
Pour la collectivité du Canada, il s’agit d’un volume potentiel en moins à traiter par de l’enfouissement ou autre méthode de
gestion des déchets en plus de faire profiter des industries évoluant sur le sol canadien d’un co-produit gratuit ou à bas prix.

That Planted LIfe Internship

That Planted Life provides plant-based nutrition and wellness services to British Columbians. This project will identify COVID-19 related challenges to business, recommend potential solutions and update the business plan accordingly. It will examine options to geographically expand its services, identify opportunities for new projects and create a pathway to publishing a resource for sustainable living that focuses on a holistic approach to diet and health.

Toronto Ambient Air Quality Impacts from COVID-19

The use and burning of fossil fuels, such as oil and gas for transportation and industrial activities, are sources of both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While air pollution affects human health, greenhouse gas contributes to climate change. Therefore, reducing fossil fuel use can improve air quality as well as help fight climate change. The restrictions on transportation and industrial activities put in place in Toronto to limit the spread of COVID-19 provide a unique opportunity to help identify the sources of air pollution in the area. The proposed project will study variations of air pollutants concentrations before, during, and after the implementation of movement restrictions to understand the relative contributions of local sources to air pollution and their relationships with human behavior and activity. Further, as there may be a possible link between air pollution exposure and higher incidences of contracting COVID-19, this study will also help inform the City for the implementation of a recovery and rebuild scenario post COVID-19.