Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) has unveiled a new advanced manufacturing facility in Winnipeg, with an investment of $61.5 million. The facility aims to support research and development in the manufacturing sector and help companies push the limits of design. The NRC conducts pre-competitive research, which allows businesses to benefit from the facility’s resources without taking on the risk and investment themselves.
One of the highlights of the manufacturing facility is a robot that uses red polylactic acid to create intricate designs, like the Canadian maple leaf. This robot is being developed into more adaptable technology to cater to the highly customizable and low-volume manufacturing in Manitoba. Researchers at the facility track every setting and result, with the goal of eventually allowing robots to make products and make necessary adjustments without human intervention.
The NRC’s director general of the automotive and surface transportation research center, Éric Baril, highlighted that the goal is to minimize time loss on the shop floor and increase the agility and capability of the manufacturing sector. He also emphasized that new manufacturing technology does not mean fewer jobs but rather more interesting jobs. Robots can be used for training workers and assisting with labor shortages, allowing people to focus on jobs that create the most value within manufacturing.
The facility also features advanced 3D printers, including one with three lasers, which is the first of its kind in Canada. These printers can be used in various sectors, such as aerospace and medicine, and the NRC is researching ways to increase their speed and process different materials. Additionally, the facility includes labs for studying biodegradability and space for companies to pilot scale new manufacturing technologies.
The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters have supported the establishment of this new facility, recognizing the need for research and development to keep pace with other advanced economies. Canada’s research and development spending has been in decline over the past two decades, and investments like this facility aim to support the potential growth of businesses and the Manitoba economy.
With its state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated research team, the NRC’s advanced manufacturing facility in Winnipeg is poised to contribute to the advancement of the manufacturing sector in Canada. The facility’s focus on innovation and adaptability will benefit companies seeking to push the boundaries of design and production processes, while also providing valuable research insights that can drive future advancements in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the purpose of Canada's National Research Council (NRC) advanced manufacturing facility in Winnipeg?
The facility aims to support research and development in the manufacturing sector and help companies push the limits of design.
How much was invested in the NRC advanced manufacturing facility?
The facility received an investment of $61.5 million.
What is the benefit of conducting pre-competitive research at the facility?
Conducting pre-competitive research allows businesses to benefit from the facility's resources without taking on the risk and investment themselves.
What is one of the highlights of the manufacturing facility?
One of the highlights is a robot that uses red polylactic acid to create intricate designs, like the Canadian maple leaf.
How are researchers tracking the robot's settings and results?
Researchers at the facility track every setting and result, with the goal of eventually allowing robots to autonomously make necessary adjustments without human intervention.
How does the NRC's advanced manufacturing facility aim to increase the agility and capability of the manufacturing sector?
The NRC's goal is to minimize time loss on the shop floor and increase the agility and capability of the manufacturing sector.
What role do robots play in the manufacturing sector according to Éric Baril?
Éric Baril highlights that new manufacturing technology, including robots, can be used for training workers and assisting with labor shortages, allowing people to focus on jobs that create the most value within manufacturing.
What types of 3D printers are available at the NRC facility?
The facility features advanced 3D printers, including one with three lasers, which is the first of its kind in Canada.
What sectors can benefit from the 3D printers at the facility?
The 3D printers can be used in various sectors such as aerospace and medicine.
How is the NRC facility supporting research on biodegradability?
The facility includes labs for studying biodegradability, allowing research on new ways to process different materials.
Why is the establishment of the NRC advanced manufacturing facility supported by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters?
The establishment of the facility is supported to ensure that research and development in Canada keeps pace with other advanced economies and supports the potential growth of businesses and the Manitoba economy.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
