They are testing a technology that would make heavy industry safer
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Cambrian College and Sudbury software development company Sofvie Inc. are teaming up for a research project they believe will help make heavy industry safer.
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Cambrian R&D, the College’s applied research division, and Sofvie plan to test and refine a Sofvie integration system with an Internet of Things (IoT) device that acts as an electronic “emergency stop switch” for prevent unskilled workers from using certain equipment or undertaking specific activities. Tasks.
The app is particularly well suited for heavy industries, they said. It will help sectors such as mining, forestry, construction and automotive manufacturing to be more efficient and safer at a time when Canada, particularly Ontario, is poised to become a leader. world leader in BEV (Battery Electrical Vehicle) technology and the extraction of critical minerals.
The two-year project is made possible by funding of $150,000 from the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Center for Innovation’s Innovation and Productivity Vouchers program. Sofvie matched the financing for a total project value of $300,000.
Sofvie Inc. is a Sudbury company specializing in software solutions designed to improve workplace safety.
“This is an exciting time in the history of Ontario’s mining industry, as our Driving Prosperity Automotive Plan and first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy will help the province play a major role in emerging North American electric vehicle battery industry,” Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said in a statement. “By positioning our province to take advantage of its critical mineral wealth, there is an incredible opportunity to connect the economies of Northern and Southern Ontario to create a complete end-to-end supply chain made in Ontario for emerging technologies.
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Sofvie’s proposed solution would analyze an employee’s electronic training record as they attempt to use a company’s fleet of vehicles and equipment. The solution works in collaboration with an IoT device installed on board. The vehicle or equipment will only become operational if the employee’s training records meet the training threshold required for authorized and qualified operation.
“Currently, there is no way, in real time, to validate the level of training of a field worker on a particular process or equipment, which could lead to a person who are not properly trained or qualified are working in a dangerous situation for themselves and potentially for others,” said Sofvie Chief Innovation Officer Gus Minor. “Cambrian R&D is a great partner for testing and refining this system, which we believe will lead to safer workplaces, fewer on-the-job injuries, and reduced costs to maintain and repair equipment due to damage caused by misuse.”
The project will be based at Cambrian College’s Glencore Center for Innovation and will employ four researchers and up to 12 Cambrian students.
One of the students who worked on an earlier research project between Cambrian R&D and Sofvie is Jazmyn Zarichney. Originally from Whitefish, Zarichney was hired as a full-time junior data analyst by Sofvie in 2020 after graduating from Cambrian’s Health Analytics program.
“Working with Cambrian R&D gave me the tools I needed to enter the workplace,” Zarichney said. “If I had the opportunity to work in applied research, I would encourage all Cambrian students to take the opportunity and get involved.
Cambrian President Bill Best said colleges are working with industry and government to drive innovation. “It makes the industry more efficient and effective, and for students and faculty, it ensures that they are up to date with the latest trends in technology and innovation,” he said.
“It gives the best faculty and students in the industry a great competitive advantage when it comes to finding employment after graduation.”
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Twitter: @SudburyStar
