Overview
Our mission in Automation and Digital Transformation at the Guelph Manufacturing Institute is to pioneer resilient, intelligent production systems that harness advanced Automation and Instrumentation, seamlessly integrate IoT and Cyber-Physical Systems, and center on human-machine collaboration. By innovating human-centered manufacturing processes and deploying real-time defect detection technologies, we empower industry partners to achieve improved efficiency, quality, and adaptability in an ever-evolving global market.
Technology and Research Themes
Automation and Instrumentation
- Implementing sensors, PLCs, and robotics for process control and automation.
- R&D Focus: Adaptive automation, predictive maintenance, and integration of AI for decision-making.
- Industry Needs: High-throughput production lines, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems
- Connecting machinery and systems for real-time data analytics and remote monitoring.
- R&D Focus: Digital twins, smart sensors, and cloud-based manufacturing solutions.
- Industry Needs: Predictive maintenance, supply chain visibility, and agile manufacturing.
Human-Centered Manufacturing
- Designing processes and systems to enhance operator safety, productivity, and satisfaction.
- R&D Focus: Ergonomics, human-robot interaction, and augmented reality (AR) for training.
- Industry Needs: Complex assembly tasks, maintenance, and high-skill operations.
Defect Detection
- Early identification of manufacturing defects using machine vision and AI.
- R&D Focus: Non-destructive testing, real-time quality control, and predictive analytics.
- Industry Needs: Electronics manufacturing, automotive quality assurance, and food processing.
Affiliated Faculty Members
Ibrahim Deiab, Binyan Xu, Fantahun Defersha, and Sheng Yang.
Past Projects
A Cloud-Based Digital Twin Platform for Smart Manufacturing
This is a proof-of-concept digital twin for a robotic assembly system. The platform is developed by the Design Innovation and Intelligent Manufacturing (DIIM) lab at the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada).