Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping

Here’s what I can say about working with Georgian – just ask.

We asked the question and Georgian cued up the time for us.

Steve Loftus,
Innovative Group of Companies

We use (digital) twins to vet applications before putting robots on the floor. It’s powerful in ensuring ROI before implementing. 

We’re eager to continue our collaboration and support Georgian College in creating a state-of-the-art facility that will drive regional manufacturing innovation.

Rob Peden,
Advanced Motion & Controls Ltd.

Digital twinning means making things right the first time. 

Industry needs more mechatronics professionals with AI skills. 

Guy Dulude,
Siemens

The Centre for Industrial Simulation and Prototyping will address the unique needs of Central Ontario’s manufacturing sector, which is growing at over twice the provincial and national rates.

Serving over 4,000 regional manufacturers, the centre will drive innovation through Industry 5.0 technologies like AI, IoT, and digital twins, enabling businesses to adopt sustainable, human-centred, and efficient processes critical for global competitiveness. 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will benefit from access to state-of-the-art tools, expertise and training, helping them overcome barriers like high costs and skills shortages. By fostering strong collaborations with regional partners and organizations, the centre will create a robust innovation ecosystem, supporting mentorship, funding opportunities and commercialization pathways. 

With a focus on sustainability and workforce development, the centre will promote eco-friendly practices, resource efficiency, and advanced skills training, solidifying Central Ontario’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and Industry 5.0 adoption. 

Empowering the next generation of innovators 

Student training is at the heart of the centre’s mission to support innovation and drive research excellence. By immersing students in real-world applied research projects, the centre provides unparalleled opportunities to develop critical problem-solving, leadership and collaboration skills. Over five years, 100 students will gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technologies like digital twins, AI, and collaborative robotics, preparing them to meet the demands of Industry 5.0. 

Aligned with Georgian’s mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, and computer studies programs, the centre offers a seamless pathway for students to transition from academic learning to practical applications. Through their involvement in industry-led projects, students will gain valuable exposure to innovation cycles, project management, and professional networking opportunities, equipping them for leadership roles in the advanced manufacturing sector. 

Building an inclusive and equitable learning environment 

The centre is dedicated to building a welcoming, fair and accessible environment where all students can succeed. Through targeted recruitment, it actively engages equity-deserving groups via Georgian’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B) department, Indigenous Resource Centre, and International Centre. Transparent selection processes and fair evaluation criteria ensure opportunities are available to candidates from all backgrounds. 

Team members receive EDI&B training and immersive empathy exercises, such as VR-based modules, to foster understanding and allyship. Advanced technologies, like AR glasses, are used to create workspaces tailored for individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent traits, reducing barriers to participation. 

By embedding inclusivity into every aspect of its operations, from mentorship to continuous feedback and improvement, the centre ensures students from diverse backgrounds gain equitable access to valuable learning and career opportunities. 

Arc Skis

Student training is at the heart of the centre’s mission to support innovation and drive research excellence. By immersing students in real-world applied research projects, the centre provides unparalleled opportunities to develop critical problem-solving, leadership and collaboration skills. Over the next five years, 100 students will gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technologies like digital twins, AI, and collaborative robotics, preparing them to meet the demands of Industry 5.0. 

Read full blog post here.

Beaver Rock Roastery

Beaver Rock Roastery collaborated with Georgian to refurbish two older K-Cup filling machines to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and meet North American safety standards.

Georgian and Beaver Rock Roastery are currently collaborating on designing, manufacturing, commissioning, and integrating a fully automated, multi-featured modular setup for filter embedding and K-Cup filling/sealing equipment to further improve internal operating efficiencies, expand Beaver Rock Roastery’s offering for their brands and Private Label customers, and commercialize the equipment and supplies for sale into the marketplace.

Read more here.

Molded Precision Components

Molded Precision Components (MPC) partnered with Georgian’s Research and Innovation team to develop a robotic cell for their new cube molding machine. This advanced system integrates robots, feeding systems, inspection stations, and storage systems to enable MPC to expand its product line and grow as a company.

Georgian’s students and faculty collaborated on designing, manufacturing, assembling, and programming the system. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, the team continued their work in a safe environment, producing an impressive design in a short timeframe.

This collaboration showcases the talent and capabilities of Georgian’s students, faculty and staff in driving innovation with community partners.

Watch the video here.

Honda of Canada Mfg.

Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) has been collaborating with Georgian to design, manufacture and integrate a robotic cell for banjo bolt assembly, which is currently a labour-intensive and human-oriented job at the HCM plant to improve productivity and efficiency.

The critical factors to success are meeting quality assurance, maintaining safety requirements, and achieving a specific cycle time.

This unit also helps students and faculty to become familiar with the advanced technologies that are currently being implemented and applied at HCM.

ESC

ESC partnered with Georgian to develop a display that interacts with the clean room and monitors, logs and graphs critical data points, such as temperature, humidity and differential pressure, with remote monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities.

ESC piloted SmartCritical™ at a major pharmaceutical manufacturer in the US.

Just over 100 units have been installed at Fusion Pharmaceuticals in Hamilton, ON (May 2023).

Central Painting

Central Painting has been collaborating with Georgian to develop a progressive, integrated web-based application (web app) that allows their workers to efficiently track progress and share information, while also enabling fast and accurate reporting and analysis.

The project is currently in the commercialization stage, and a group of experts from Central Painting, mentors from Georgian’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC), and faculty leads from the college’s Research and Innovation team, along with the students, are working together on a commercialization plan.

The Centre for Industrial Simulation and Prototyping is built on a foundation of strategic planning, experienced leadership and alignment with Georgian College’s Strategic Plan and Vision 2030. With a skilled research team specializing in advanced manufacturing, mechanical simulation and electronics, the centre ensures high-quality service delivery and impactful applied research projects. 

By integrating student and faculty engagement, the centre offers immersive learning opportunities that align with Industry 5.0 technologies, preparing a future-ready workforce while advancing regional innovation. Its four-tier service model (insight, conceptualization, build and mastery) provides tailored support for client organizations, from initial consultations to advanced training, ensuring scalable and accessible solutions. 

Supported by Georgian’s funding and resources, the centre fosters sustainable partnerships and reduces barriers to technology adoption for regional manufacturers. This cohesive approach ensures the centre plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in Central Ontario.

Georgian’s proven research expertise and track record in innovation position the Centre for Industrial Simulation and Prototyping as a hub for investment and growth. With over $20 million in government and industry funding secured since 2016, Georgian has consistently delivered impactful applied research projects. Between 2019 and 2023 alone, the Research and Innovation department engaged in 140 advanced manufacturing and digitalization projects with over 50 industry partners, demonstrating its ability to foster meaningful collaborations and deliver results. 

The centre builds on Georgian’s established strengths in areas like Industry 5.0 technologies, digital twins, robotics, and advanced data analytics. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including a rapid prototyping lab, microgrid, and mechatronics lab, provide clients with access to cutting-edge tools and technologies. The research team’s deep expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, industrial simulation, and smart manufacturing ensures high-quality service delivery and innovative solutions. 

This foundation of excellence and readiness will attract investment by offering clients confidence in the centre’s ability to de-risk technology adoption, accelerate innovation, and drive economic impact. With strong partnerships, a proven cost-recovery model, and a focus on sustainability, the centre is poised to generate sustainable revenue while contributing to the region’s growing manufacturing sector. 

The Centre for Industrial Simulation and Prototyping is driven by a team of highly qualified professionals with decades of experience in advanced manufacturing, automation, and Industry 5.0 technologies.  

Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the centre’s approach to recruiting and developing talent. The centre proactively engages equity-deserving groups through Georgian’s EDI&B department and resource centres, ensuring diverse representation at all levels. Recruitment panels are designed to minimize bias by including members from equity-deserving groups and evaluating candidates based on a broad range of achievements, not just traditional metrics like grades. 

All new hires participate in comprehensive EDI&B training, including modules on allyship and immersive VR empathy exercises, to foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. Additionally, the centre uses advanced technologies like XR to create accessible environments for individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent traits, ensuring equitable participation. 

Mentorship programs further support professional growth, pairing team members with mentors aligned to their career goals. Annual reviews of EDI&B practices by leadership ensure continuous improvement, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all personnel. This intentional approach to EDI&B ensures the centre attracts and retains top talent while setting a standard for inclusive innovation in manufacturing. 

Amanda Mejia, B.Sc.

Amanda specializes in business development, national and international partner relations, and digital and traditional marketing. Her focus is on bringing opportunities to the Simcoe, Grey and Bruce Counties.