尤物视频

Researchers at 尤物视频 (SFU) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are launching a groundbreaking collaboration with Seaspan Shipyards to drive innovation in robotic welding technology for the maritime sector.

Through Canada鈥檚 National Shipbuilding Strategy, shipbuilding is a cornerstone of Canada鈥檚 economy and the competition is fierce for skilled tradespeople with an increasing demand for high-precision manufacturing. This new research initiative aims to explore the potential of robotic automation to enhance shipyard welding processes, while improving efficiency, quality and safety.

This project marks the second collaboration between BCIT鈥檚 Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy Research, SFU鈥檚 School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) and Seaspan. Led by MSE professor Mehrdad Moallem and Mathew Smith, Director of BCIT鈥檚 Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy Research, alongside MSE professors Farshid Najafi and Ed Park, the team is working closely with technical experts at Seaspan Shipyards to develop advanced robotic welding solutions that meet critical industry needs.

Leveraging BCIT鈥檚 state-of-the-art welding research facilities and SFU鈥檚 expertise in mechatronics and robotics, the researchers aim to drive innovation in automation and intelligent control systems.

鈥淩obotic welding has been used in shipbuilding for some time, but there is still significant room for improvement,鈥� explains Moallem. "This initiative tackles current challenges in robotic operations and has the potential to further modernize shipbuilding. By integrating physics-based techniques and machine learning algorithms, we aim to enhance productivity, improve weld quality and uphold the highest safety standards.鈥�

Current robotic welding systems often fall short in meeting the welding complexities found in later-stage shipbuilding at Seaspan. One of the key research areas is the development of adaptable robotic platforms capable of being reconfigured to accommodate robotic welding for different ship designs. The team will investigate how existing robotic solutions can be enhanced to provide greater flexibility and precision.

Seaspan, recognizing the vital role of welding and steelwork in their new build and repair facilities, is eager to explore technological advancements that safely augment welder efficiency and support long-term and sustained welding capacity critical for industry growth across Canada鈥檚 shipyards.

鈥淓xpanding our robotic welding automation to include advanced robotic systems with portability and adaptive learning in our operations could enhance Seaspan鈥檚 competitiveness in the global market,鈥� says Jennifer Busler, Senior Manager of Innovation at Seaspan Shipyards. 鈥淭hrough this partnership, we are excited to explore and mature innovative solutions that support our welding workforce and contribute to safer and more efficient shipbuilding processes.鈥�

Beyond technological advancements, the initiative will provide students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences. Trainees will gain interdisciplinary expertise in welding & joining processes, robotics, control systems, machine learning and artificial intelligence while collaborating with industry professionals to design and test cutting-edge technologies.

鈥淭his collaboration provides students with a unique opportunity to develop research skills in an industrial setting,鈥� says Smith. 鈥淏CIT鈥檚 Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy Research bridges the gap between academic research at SFU and industry needs, giving students valuable real-world experience that enhances their career prospects.鈥�

The project has secured $1.8 million in funding from the NSERC Alliance-Mitacs Accelerate program and Seaspan to support research over the next five years. Ultimately, the team hopes their work will contribute to advancements in robotics for the maritime industry and reinforce Canada鈥檚 leadership in automated welding research.
 

About Seaspan Shipyards

Seaspan, a division of Seaspan ULC, is a leader in Canada鈥檚 ship design, engineering, building and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of approximately 4,300 in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company has proven itself to be a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.