If you could live on the moon, would you? A group of Waterloo researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering has set out to help make that a reality by processing raw materials on the moon to power the area as a hub for manufacturing, construction, and human life.
LoopX, a Waterloo Engineering startup company, founded by a mechatronics engineering doctoral candidate, Chao Yu, has recently received a $30K funding boost when it took top prize in the 5G Transportation Challenge. It is also the recipient of funding from the Engineer of the Future Fund at Waterloo Engineering. Within the next three months, LoopsX plans to demonstrate its 5G MEC-based hybrid driving system in the David Johnson Research + Technology Park.
In the quest to reach zero emissions by 2050, researchers are working with industry partners to develop more efficient, durable, cost-effective fuel cells.
Waterloo engineering professor Dr. Xianguo Li and Dr. Samaneh Shahgaldi from Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), with support from Niobay Metals and Mitacs, are working to refine the technology of metallic bipolar plates to improve the potential of hydrogen in decarbonization.
Thomas Parent (MEng)
Thomas Parent
Thomas has recently completed his M.Eng degree in Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo while working full-time at Liburdi Automation Inc. Thomas designed custom welding systems used in the aerospace industry. As a mechanical designer, he was drawn to the Advanced Design Engineering option offered, which kicked-off a series of collaborative projects between Liburdi and the program.
"The ability to work on meaningful, real-world projects while receiving one-on-one mentorship from experienced teaching staff was part of what attracted me to this stream. The advanced design concepts and techniques I was exposed to during my time in the program culminated into the design of Liburdi Automation’s new Friction Stir Welding system. A system capable of generating the high tool forces required for the processing of steels while using force and IR temperature feedback for closed-loop control; the first such system to be designed and built in Canada. This system is currently in use by Professor Adrian Gerlich and his research team at the Centre for Advanced Materials Joining (CAMJ) on campus".
Lucas Botelho (PhD)
Lucas Botelho
Please meet Lucas Botelho, one of our Doctoral students in the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering program, here at the University of Waterloo!
My research is aimed to improve monitoring of high temperature manufacturing processes, such as laser additive manufacturing, heat treatment, and welding with the aid of computer vision and machine learning. Combining visible light measurements and infrared light measurements allow for both the geometry and microstructure of the part to be predicted in real-time. These real-time measurements of the current state of the process can then be used to predict future states and minimize the error before it accumulates. Thus, allowing for higher quality products to be built through these manufacturing processes, with a lower rejection rate and minimized need for post-processing. The monitoring system developed in this research was used to create the sensor featured in the MOC system by Retinex Inc. (https://lnkd.in/d8Pbtt7K)
Her research focuses on improving orthopaedic implant testing methods to better evaluate loosening at the bone-implant interface under multiaxial loading. This work has allowed for collaboration with both clinicians and manufacturing experts to design novel implants better able withstand multiaxial loading due to activities of daily living. Currently, she is working in collaboration with the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory Group at the University of Waterloo to reconceptualize titanium orthopaedic implants to improve bone-ingrowth and implant fixation. Martine is funded by a doctoral level National Science and Engineering Research Council post-graduate scholarship.
