November 23, 2018 | Local, Aerospace
Quebec-based company pushes the limits of Canadian robotics technology
SHERBROOKE, QC, Nov. 22, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - New technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming all sectors of Canada's economy, including space.
Canada is leveraging its leadership in AI and space to unleash innovation in space exploration. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is now exploring ways to equip future space robots with AI. Giving robots some autonomy will be critical for new missions into deep space. Set to be located in increasingly distant destinations, space robots of the future will have to work without human help, relying on AI to make decisions.
The CSA is collaborating with MDA, a Maxar Technologies company, and AI experts from Menya Solutions, a small company from Sherbrooke, Quebec, on the next generation of autonomous space robotics. MDA built the original Canadarm, Canadarm2 and Dextre, and are now taking steps towards the AI-based robots of the future by giving Canadarm2 and Dextre the ability to conduct certain tasks autonomously. This pioneering work will ensure Canada'scontinued competitiveness in space robotics when future opportunities arise.
Countries from around the world are preparing plans to build the successor to the International Space Station (ISS): an outpost in the vicinity of the Moon called the Gateway that will serve as a stepping stone for deep-space exploration. Unlike the ISS, which has been continuously inhabited for almost 20 years, this future orbiting lunar station will rely upon AI-based autonomous robotics for its upkeep. Robots will assemble and service the Gateway, and will capture visiting spacecraft and help conduct science on behalf of researchers on Earth.
Quotes
"Artificial intelligence is transforming all industries and sectors, providing new opportunities for Canadians. It's exciting to see how the collaboration between Canada's space sector and our world-leading AI research is already helping small companies grow, innovate and export their expertise. By working together, we are supporting the creation of high-skilled jobs that play a significant role in boosting Canada's digital economy."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"AI-enabled space robotics will extend the reach of human space exploration and will cement Canada's leading position in this critical technology area. Canada's robotics built the International Space Station and perform robotic operations while orbiting 400 km above the Earth. At 400,000 km from the Earth, the Lunar Gateway robotics will require artificial intelligence to operate more autonomously for significantly longer periods. MDA is proud to be working with Menya Solutions to develop and apply these essential technologies."
Mike Greenley, Group president at MDA
"Menya Solutions is excited and proud to work with the CSA and MDA on the next generation of AI-based autonomous robotics. Working with these world leaders in space and robotics technologies will create opportunities for us in other sectors and contribute to the growth of our business. This collaboration aligns well with our other ongoing efforts in helping different organisations to deploy AI solutions that support humans and machines in making decisions, improving living and working conditions, and allowing us to save money, time and lives. "
Froduald Kabanza, CEO at Menya Solutions
Quick facts
Website: http://asc-csa.gc.ca
Email:ASC.Medias-Media.CSA@canada.ca
Follow us on Social Media
SOURCE Canadian Space Agency
April 6, 2022 | Local, C4ISR, Security
Officials tell Global News that 'preliminary' work is underway on a possible classified cloud service. A similar process in the U.S. for military cloud services is worth billions.
November 19, 2021 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
NATO Challenge top 10 ready to pitch! The top 10 contestants in the Fall 2021 NATO Innovation Challenge, the Invisible Threat: Countering Cognitive Warfare have been selected. They will present their innovative solutions to a multi-national jury of defence experts on Pitch Day, November 30, 2021. As well as gaining valuable international exposure, the 10 finalists will vie for top 3 cash prizes in this pitch-style event. Thank you to all innovators for participating. Watch live starting at 9 am (EDT) on Youtube. For more information about this challenge please visit NATO Innovation Challenge page. Learn how innovators can partner with Defence Research and Development Canada! Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), the organization that manages the IDEaS program on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND), will be hosting its 2021 Outreach Day on November 24, 2021. A trusted advisor and collaborative partner, DRDC works as a knowledge integrator for DND and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Like IDEaS, DRDC helps to develop and deliver new technical solutions to DND/CAF, other federal departments, and the safety and security communities. At this event, you will: Get the information you need for your business to partner with DRDC; Become familiar with the eight strategic focus areas in DND's Defence and Security Science and Technology program, to help you prepare for future calls for proposals; Find out about DND's Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, which is funded at $1.6 B over 20 years; Learn about upcoming opportunities with the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP); Hear from DRDC's acting Assistant Deputy Minister Sophie Galarneau; Ask your questions about future partnership opportunities Outreach Day will be held virtually on MS Teams on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 from 10:00 to 12:00 hrs EST. Please note that while the presentations will be in English, the question and answer period will be in both official languages. The presentation decks will be made available in French and English, as of November 22. Register for this session using the link below: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/defence-research-and-development-canada-drdc-outreach-day-tickets-207400529567 Le Top 10 du Défi de l'OTAN est prêt à présenter ! Les 10 meilleurs candidats du Défi de l'innovation de l'OTAN Automne 2021, la menace invisible : contrer la guerre cognitive ont été sélectionnés. Ils présenteront leurs solutions innovantes à un jury multinational d'experts de la défense lors de l'évènement de présentation, le 30 novembre 2021. En plus d'acquérir une précieuse exposition internationale, les 10 finalistes se disputeront les 3 premiers prix en argent lors de cet événement de style présentation. Merci à tous les innovateurs d'avoir participé. Regardez en direct à partir de 9 h (HAE) sur YouTube. Pour plus d'informations sur ce défi, veuillez visiter la page du Défi de l'innovation de l'OTAN (en anglais seulement). Découvrez comment les innovateurs peuvent s'associer à Recherche et développement pour la défense Canada! Recherche et développement pour la défense Canada (RDDC), l'organisation qui gère le programme IDEeS au nom du ministère de la Défense nationale (MDN), organisera sa journée de sensibilisation le 24 novembre 2021. Conseiller de confiance et partenaire collaboratif, RDDC travaille en tant qu'intégrateur de connaissances pour le MDN et les Forces armées canadiennes (FAC). À l'instar d'IDEeS, RDDC aide à développer et à fournir de nouvelles solutions techniques au MDN/FAC, à d'autres ministères fédéraux et aux communautés de sûreté et sécurité. À l'occasion de cette journée de sensibilisation vous pourrez : Obtenir l'information dont votre entreprise a besoin pour établir un partenariat avec RDDC; Vous familiariser avec les huit domaines d'intérêt stratégique du programme de science et de technologie pour la défense et la sécurité du MDN, ce qui vous aidera à vous préparer en vue des prochains appels de propositions; Vous renseigner sur le programme Innovation pour la défense, l'excellence et la sécurité (IDEeS) du MDN, dont le financement s'élève à 1,6 milliard de dollars sur 20 ans; Vous renseigner sur les possibilités à venir dans le cadre du Programme canadien pour la sûreté et la sécurité (PCSS); Écouter la sous-ministre adjointe par intérim de RDDC, Sophie Galarneau; Poser des questions à propos des possibilités de partenariat à l'avenir La journée de sensibilisation se déroulera de façon virtuelle au moyen de MS Teams, le mercredi 24 novembre 2021 de 10 h à 12 h (HAE). Veuillez noter que les présentations seront en anglais, par contre, la période de questions et réponses se fera dans les deux langues officielles. Quand aux documents de présentation, ils seront disponibles en français et en anglais à partir du 22 novembre. Pour vous inscrire, veuillez utiliser le lien ci-dessous: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/defence-research-and-development-canada-drdc-outreach-day-tickets-207400529567
October 18, 2023 | Local, Naval, Security
South Korea's Hanwha Ocean has pitched offers to build submarines to Canada, the Philippines and Poland, a company official said on Wednesday, as the country pushes to become one of the world's top four defence exporters.