Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing celebrates a decade of innovative industry solutions

“In the past, partners primarily approached us for help with mechanical projects, but there has been significant growth in the diversity of our work as the manufacturing landscape changes,” says Dr. Ethan Shen, CIM’s Research Manager. “We’re seeing more smart projects that incorporate higher levels of intelligent manufacturing, which helps us to look at the work from many different angles and figure out innovative ways of applying our strengths to the challenge at hand.”

In its early days, the Centre primarily used its mechanical and technical strengths for research projects, including 2018’s collaboration with the University of Guelph that featured 3D printing of a dog skull for surgery and the fabrication of a wind turbine prototype by waterjet cutting and 3D printing.

More recently, CIM has leveraged its application of digital tools in manufacturing - such as simulation, modeling, and incorporated data science including artificial intelligence (AI) - to address a diversified set of project challenges from industry and community partners.

In late 2023, the Centre changed its name from the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT) to better reflect its expertise in leveraging digital tools in manufacturing. CIM’s specialized work has included the use of AI for defect detection in a robotic imaging system, using virtual reality to modify and redesign a clean energy facility, and integrating sensing into robotic gait simulation of lower limb prosthetics to create a digital twin (pictured below).

Last year, CIM – supported by a $200,000 grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – purchased a high-performance 3D printer system that leverages advanced analytics and connectivity, AI, robotics and advanced engineering tools. When combined with the Centre’s advanced smart manufacturing approaches, the equipment can support regional industry and community partners by increasing their ability to innovate, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises that lack in-house knowledge and capacity.

An important driver of CIM’s impact and expertise in intelligent manufacturing has been the student talent from various Sheridan schools and programs, such as Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering; Advanced Manufacturing Management; Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships; Applied Computing; and Interaction Design. Student researchers contribute to all CIM research projects, playing an important supportive role in providing innovative real-world solutions through new ideas, processes and technologies for industry partners. Many of these students have been employed by the industry partners they’ve worked with and reconnected with the Centre as alumni to further innovate with the next generation of Sheridan talent.

CIM Director Dr. Carolyn Moorlag (pictured above) sees the Centre continuing its growth and momentum by expanding interdisciplinary collaborations with Generator’s other Research and Entrepreneurship Centres, blending differing disciplines to find creative solutions for industry challenges, and cultivating healthcare partnerships where CIM can help support innovation in the sector. For example, the Centre is currently working with Sheridan’s Centre for Applied AI on the development of a wearable eye-tracking device that collects real-time data for athletes to aid physical rehabilitation.

“CIM has always been very community focused, with strong ties to local manufacturing partners in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area,” Moorlag says. “In today’s climate, it’s vital that we contribute to positive change in the community by leaning into the growing demand for innovation support in areas like safe automation in manufacturing, the advancement of health care technologies, and demonstration of clean energy options.”

For more information on unlocking your project’s potential with the Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing, please visit CIM’s website.