The Robotics and Automation Laboratory (RAL) is very well-known internationally. Its activities include research in robotic science and automation, control systems and intelligent automation for industrial applications in biotechnology, military, law enforcement, medical, manufacturing, space and service sectors.At left: MR2 Demining and Materials Handling Robot
RAL is extensively involved through its commercial affiliate, Engineering Services Inc. (ESI), in the development, design, fabrication, integration and testing of complex automation systems for commercial, industrial and research use.
Since RAL’s establishment in 1982, the following numbers of students have completed or are about to complete their degrees in RAL:
- Ph.D.: 43
- M.A.Sc.: 51
- M.Eng.: 12
At right: RT1 Pair of Modular Robots (licensed to ESI)
The publication record of RAL work has generated to date:
- 126 journal papers
- 14 book chapters
- 39 patents, and
- 285 conference proceedings.
RAL has hosted over 90 visiting scholars, visiting professors, post-doctoral fellows and other associates. On behalf of RAL, 131 scholarly addresses have been delivered.
The Mechatronics Laboratory was founded in 1995 in response to a large increase in opportunities for development of intelligent automation for industrial applications in RAL. An immediate need existed to address the related area of System Integration (dexterous multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems, modular electronics, embedded controllers, modular software, smart user interfaces), and develop methodologies for its execution
Research Activities
- System Integration of robotic-based automation
- Micro-robotics for biotechnology
- Industrial Automation