The County of Simcoe partnered with Georgian College departments of Continuing Education and Corporate Training, and Research and Innovation in development of the Industry 4.0 Automation Accelerator Program.
With support from the Province of Ontario, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, member municipalities – the cities of Barrie and Orillia, and multi-stakeholder collaboration between Georgian College, Lakehead University, County of Simcoe Economic Development Office and REMAP, the Automation Accelerator Program was designed to support adoption of innovative technologies to local manufacturers.
Through area focus groups and surveys, local manufacturers identified the need to update their technologies and streamline processes to remain competitive. Many of the manufacturers identified the need to better understand available technologies, and have access to a local databank of support systems and resources when adopting new systems. The 8-day program included workshops on Artificial intelligence, Machine Learning, Predictive Maintenance, Augmented Reality, Product Processes and Opportunities, available funding, ERPs, Logistics, Warehouse and Automation, Sensors and IIOT, Workplace Planning and Project Selections. The program also featured individual company projects that challenged local manufacturers to identify and implement technologies on their shop floor and in business processes.
Georgian Colleges expertise was well represented throughout the program with presentations and individual consultations with Dr. Mira Ray, Director of Research and Innovation and Ross Bigelow, Professor in Computer Science and AI, along with program development from the Continuing Education and Corporate Training team.
The EDCO Awards of Excellence is an annual program coordinated by the Awards Committee to seek and identify distinctive ideas and initiatives that can become economic development best practices for the future.
Recipients of the EDCO Awards of Excellence are viewed as leaders in Economic Development and often asked to present their efforts and accomplishments at speaking engagements including the EDCO Conference and Showcase.
Submitted by Melissa Marshall, Manager CECT
