MacAuto
McMaster Institute for Automotive Research and Technology
research
education
knowledge Transfer
expertise
INNOVATION
Technology Transfer
MacAuto McMaster Institute for MacAUTO is the newly estab lished coordinating body for automotive research and edu cation at McMaster University. The University’s numerous automotive-related research institutes and centres work with industry, government and academic partners in developing and commercializing new tech nologies and materials that will ensure the global competitive ness of Canada’s auto industry. MacAUTO is also educating a new generation of professionals ideally suited to understanding real-world issues and imple menting innovative solutions. Automotive research at McMaster University encompasses an expanding cluster of knowledge and expertise. More than 75 researchers in engineering, science, business and other faculties are involved in initiatives valued at over $100 million in programs and infrastructure.
Research programs range from the testing of hybrid power systems to developing corrosion-resistant coatings, from optimization of transportation and logistics systems to the impact of pollution on our environment, from creating software and simulation programs to understanding visual attention and motion perception. Key to MacAUTO’s vision is an understanding that real-world problems require multi-disciplinary solutions. These solutions can only be achieved by tapping the skills and expertise of many people working on different sides of a problem. Innovations in materials research, for example, enable new manufacturing processes, which in turn make possible the evolution of automotive design. McMaster offers considerable expe‑ rience working in a collaborative environment with automotive manufacturers, suppliers and materials producers. MacAUTO maintains a strong commitment to technology transfer and rapid commercialization. The knowledge gained through research activities is continuously reviewed and evaluated for possible commercial applications, in concert with university business development and technology transfer experts.
research McMaster is home to several significant automotive, manufac turing and materials research centres. They are: General Motors of canada Centre for Automotive Materials and Corrosion Through a partnership with General Motors of Canada Limited and as a part of its Beacon Project, McMaster University has created the General Motors of Canada Centre for Automotive Materials and Corrosion (GMCCAMC). The Centre’s research focuses on materials engineering including themes like strip casting of sheet metal, light‑ weight material systems, material degradation and protection, and joining issues as they apply to automotive material innovations. The Centre is also investigating opportunities for developing magnesium-based components for lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles.
Initiative for Automotive Manufacturing Innovation The Initiative for Automotive Manufacturing Innovation (IAMI) is a newly created research consortium that brings together researchers at McMaster with their colleagues at the University
Automotive Research and Technology of Waterloo, supported by the Province of Ontario and 35 industry partners. The $46.5 million initiative’s primary goal is the development of world-class technology for the production of lightweight, cost-competitive automobiles. Key research objectives include developing new generations of materials and coatings, introducing advanced manufacturing processes, and improving product quality.
Mechatronics and Hybrid Technologies The establishment of the Centre for Mechatronics and Hybrid Technologies (CMHT) will provide a world-class research and development facility pioneering the testing, monitoring, fault-prediction, and optimization systems related to hybrid technologies. This includes developing a full-scale vehicle testing platform and state-ofthe-art cell development for characterization of engine wear, fault detection, and in-service modification of engine control strategy to account for engine wear conditions.
McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute The McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) is one of the largest university manufacturing research institutes in Canada. MMRI’s
15,000 sq. ft. facility is designed to meet the sophisticated research and development needs of leading manufacturers applying metals and polymers in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as the tool, die and mold sector. Industry experts consider it to be Canada’s most advanced and best-equipped manufacturing research laboratory.
The facilities of the Institute and its pool of expertise are also available to industry and organizations that require assistance with research and development or material analysis. Its membership of 123 faculty members is drawn from 13 departments in the Faculties of Science, Engineering and Health Sciences and several Canadian and international universities.
McMaster Steel Research Centre
McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics
The McMaster Steel Research Centre (MSRC) is one of only three universitybased steel centres in North America. In partnership with industry, MSRC is working to ensure that Canada’s steelmakers continue to lead the world in innovation. Research areas include seeking better output and efficiency in steel mills, improving recycling of waste materials, looking at technologies to cut emissions and helping to maintain steel’s competitive edge in the changing marketplace.
The McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics (MITL) supports relevant education programs and conducts applied research that addresses planning and policy issues related to efficient transport and logistics systems. Its research agenda ranges from public policy to software development, environmental emissions research to spatial analysis and spatial optimization methods. In the Centre for Spatial Analysis, investigators are looking at the application of spatial analysis methods to urban transportation problems and to understanding the relationship between environmental pollution and health.
Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research The Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research (BIMR) is an interdisciplinary research organization with the mandate to develop, support and co-ordinate all materials researchrelated activities at McMaster.
SOFTWARE AND SIMULATION From a sophisticated motion simulator to initiatives in robotics, mechatronics, software engineering,
explores the role of governments and the public interest, including topics such as the viability of oil as an energy source for cars, traffic congestion, safety regulations, and international competition.
Education
algorithms and optimization, and embedded systems and control, the Department of Computing and Software is engaging in numerous automotive-related research initiatives. Members of the department work collaboratively with other faculties and departments to address inter disciplinary initiatives.
LABOUR STUDIES AND GLOBALIZATION Shifting trends in the automotive industry directly impact organizations and society. Research underway at McMaster provides insight into the decisions made by unions, political parties and interest groups, and the impact they have on industry and community. Another area of research
A key focus for McMaster is the education and training of the next generation of auto motive engineers. McMaster’s Faculty of Engineering offers several programs with a strong automotive focus. GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN Providing engineers with advanced training in leadership and management, product design and innovation, and technical studies is the focus of the General Motors of Canada Centre for Engineering Design (GMCCED). As a key centre in the Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice, GMCCED provides opportunities for graduate study in process systems design and operation, sustainable infrastructure and product design.
Dofasco Centre for Engineering and Public Policy The Dofasco Centre for Engineering and Public Policy (DCEPP) is helping future generations of engineers and applied scientists to learn about the regulatory and social issues that are shaping the direction of sustainable development by addressing public and societal concerns in diverse areas such as water, energy and transportation.
McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership McMaster University and Mohawk College have partnered to offer a unique series of Bachelor of Technology programs in response to changing industry needs for trained personnel who can effectively bridge the shop floor with the executive suite. Program streams are designed to meet the needs of working technologists and internationally trained professionals looking to upgrade their qualifications, and high-school graduates who want to earn both a university degree and college diploma in a hands-on learning environment. Programs combine technical and management courses with labs and co-op experience. Auto-related programs include: Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Automotive and Vehicle Technology, and Process Automation Technology.
Technology and knowledge transfer A key objective for MacAUTO is the rapid transfer of tech nology from the lab bench to the automotive production line. Several initiatives are helping to make this important goal a reality. XEROX CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION The core focus of the Xerox Centre for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation (XCEEI) is to promote the commercial success of engineering innovation through the development of highly skilled entrepreneurs. XCEEI offers a unique Masters program that provides students with the opportunity to learn necessary skills and practice methodologies to translate scientific ideas into commercially viable goods and services. Graduates are able to create new products or service businesses within existing companies, or initiate stand-alone enterprises.
McMaster Industry Liaison Office
University Partnerships: Tecnet and c4
To further enhance MacAUTO’s capacity to move innovation from the lab to industry, the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO) monitors progress of all automotive related projects to identify the potential for commercialization.
McMaster researchers works closely with other Canadian universities in two key commercialization and technology transfer programs:
OCE Market Readiness Program Additional support for commercialization is provided through the staff of the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE ) Market Readiness Program. This collaboration will be extended to OCE’s commercialization activities in the recently funded Centre for the Commercialization of Research.
•T ecNet – McMaster/Waterloo technology entrepreneurial and commercialization network for which the automotive industry is a primary focus. • C4 – MacAUTO also accesses the Technology and Knowledge Transfer Program (C4) that has been funded jointly at McMaster, Waterloo, Guelph and Western by the federal government’s Intellectual Property Mobilization Program.
CONTACTS To learn more about specific research initiatives underway at McMaster University, or to explore research and partnership opportunities, please contact the appropriate listing below: Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research Web: www.brockhouse.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 24683 Email: bimr@mcmaster.ca
General Motors of Canada Centre for Automotive Materials and Corrosion Web: mse.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 27051 Email: cbarry@mcmaster.ca
Initiative for Automotive Manufacturing Innovation
McMaster Industry Liaison Office Web: ip.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 28646 Email: quaite@mcmaster.ca
McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics Web: mitl.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 22542 Email: mitl@mcmaster.ca
McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute Web: mmri.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 24285 Email: jmurphy@mcmaster.ca
McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership Web: btech.mcmastermohawk.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 27056
McMaster Steel Research Centre
Web: www.autoinnovation.ca Phone: 905-521-8348 Email: klaw@autoinnovation.ca
Labour Studies Office Web: socserv.mcmaster.ca/labourstudies Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 24692 Email: labourstudies@mcmaster.ca
Web: mcmasteel.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 24955 Email: john.thomson@mcmaster.ca
Mechatronics and Hybrid Technologies
Software and Simulation Department of Computing and Software Web: www.cas.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 22887 Email: leblanl@mcmaster.ca
Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice Web: msep.mcmaster.ca Email: msep@mcmaster.ca Dofasco Centre for Engineering and Public Policy Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 26566 General Motors of Canada Centre for Engineering Design Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 26566 Xerox Centre for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 26566
Office of the Vice-President (Research & International Affairs) Web: mcmaster.ca/research Phone: 905-525-9140, Ext. 27270 Email: vprsrch@mcmaster.ca
Web: www.mech.mcmaster.ca Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 27765 Email: habibi@mcmaster.ca
McMaster University • 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7 Phone: 905-525-9140 Ext. 27051 • Fax: 905-528-9295 Email: macauto@mcmaster.ca • Web: macauto.mcmaster.ca