91社区

By Meaghan Thurston

Robots are playing a growing听role in operating the heavy equipment that is used in every field of industry and exploration, including space exploration. So finding ways to visualize and train them is becoming increasingly important. Professor Jozsef K枚vecses, of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Centre for Intelligent Machines, has developed, together with听Montreal-based software company CM Labs Simulations,听 enhanced virtual prototyping and training simulators for various types of heavy equipment including space and ground-based robotics. Today, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) recognized their collaboration with the Synergy Award for Innovation (small and medium sized companies).

K枚vecses鈥� research group develops mathematical models that generate lifelike computer simulations of mechanical systems. By simulating versions of new robots, vehicles, farm equipment, and other heavy machinery, CM Labs Simulations helps their clients experience how physical objects will perform under various circumstances. Testing mechanical systems in a simulated environment, clients are able to identify problems with the proposed models before producing a final design. Engineering firms and training schools for heavy machinery and vehicles are increasingly using these simulations as a way to lower costs, eliminate risks and lessen the environmental impacts of the industry.

Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will present the prestigious award to Professor听K枚vecses and Dr. Arnold Free, CCO of CM Labs Simulations, at an award ceremony at Rideau Hall this evening. Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, and听Mario Pinto, President of NSERC, will also celebrate the awardees at the ceremony. Launched in 1995, the NSERC Synergy Awards for Innovation recognize partnerships in natural sciences and engineering research and development (R&D) between universities and Canadian industry. K枚vecses鈥� is the first award in this category for 91社区 since 2012. As an awardee, he will receive a $200,000 NSERC research grant. CM Labs Simulations will receive a $30,000 voucher, valid towards the cash portion of their required contribution in a new听Collaborative Research and Development Grant听(CRD).

鈥淧rofessor K枚vecses鈥� leadership in the听development of realistic computer simulations and his commitment to understand the industry鈥檚 technical challenges has resulted in this听exemplary partnership, as well as a rich training-environment for students and this well-deserved award鈥�, said Martha Crago, Vice-Principal of Research and Innovation. 鈥淐ongratulations to Professor K枚vecses and to CM Labs Simulations, who together will lead听engineering innovations in the years to come.鈥�

鈥淭he work we do with CM Labs has enriched the graduate student experiences of those in my lab鈥�, said K枚vecses. 鈥淲inning such a prestigious award is a great honour.鈥�

Learn more about Professor K枚vecses鈥檚 research:

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