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| Canadian Ingenuity in Intelligent Systems and Robotics to be Showcased at IS 2008, Canada’s Leading Industry Forum |
May 14, 2008 |
Windsor, Ontario – May 14, 2008 – Ground-breaking research that is propelling Canada to the forefront of the robotics and intelligent systems industries will be showcased at IS 2008: 18th Annual Canadian Conference on Intelligent Systems – to be held in Windsor May 27-30, 2008 – as hundreds of industry, government and research leaders convene to demonstrate Canadian ingenuity.
From a ‘Rehab Robot’ that helps stroke patients regain muscle strength at home and a specially-designed tactile belt that serves as a guide for the blind, to a robotic race car and unique optimization system that speeds the time it takes for emergency response vehicles to react to 911 calls, the event demonstrates Canada’s ongoing success in bridging the innovation gap to deliver real solutions to real world challenges.
WHAT: IS 2008: 18th Annual Canadian Conference on Intelligent Systems
Being held in conjunction with the Canadian Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Canadian Graphics Interface (GI) Conference,
the Canadian Conference on Computer and Robot Vision (CRV) – AI/GI/CRV/IS 2007, and the SMARTLinkages Networking & Commercialization Forum.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – Media Preview and Technology Demonstrations
WHERE: St. Denis Centre, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario
“Our mission is to increase the global competitiveness of Canadian companies through increased use of intelligent systems technologies,” said Paul Johnston, President and CEO of Precarn Incorporated, organizer of the four-day event. As Johnston explains, intelligent systems have the ability to perform human functions such as perceiving, reasoning and action. “Through our unique, research-based collaborative model, we help researchers and business reach their endpoint – the commercialization of technology-based solutions – faster, with less risk,” he said.
Among the innovations to be highlighted at IS 2008 are:
· A one-of-a-kind tactile belt that serves as a “wearable sensory device,” guiding its wearers to move in specific directions by giving a series of nudges. The belt wirelessly communicates with cell phones and computers. Once a destination is entered, either by text or speech, it uses global positioning system (GPS) software and remote sensing technology to guide wearers where they want to go. A secondary application involves the development of sensors that operate similar to the human balance system and will serve as the “eyes” of the belt, helping wearers to avoid obstacles in their path as they make their way towards a destination. The technology is being marketed by a start-up company in Guelph, Ontario. In addition to serving as an assistive device for the blind, it is currently being tested for use by Alzheimer’s patients and may also have commercial application in the automotive industry to help drivers avoid potential collisions.
· “Rehab Robot,” a one-of-a-kind Autonomous Upper-Limb Stroke Rehabilitation (AUSR) device that will one day help stroke patients undergo limb rehabilitation in the comfort of their homes, rather than relying on physiotherapists to guide them in exercise. A tabletop version of the robotic system will be displayed. By combining robotics, artificial intelligence and “haptics” – technology that interfaces with users through the sense of touch – it delivers a virtual environment that enables patients to build their muscles while playing video-like games.
· A robotic racing car designed and built by engineering students at the University of Windsor. The vehicle – which took top spot in the National Autonomous Racing Challenge in Waterloo, Ont. last month – races on a track without human guidance or control, including drag racing and circuit courses. University of Windsor engineering students will also showcase their technologically-advanced Formula SAE race car, which they have designed and built for racing in an annual competition hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
· An intelligent emergency response system that alleviates the information overload placed on dispatchers who need to decide where to place ambulances within a city in order to respond to emergencies faster and save lives. This next-generation technology – which is currently being tested by the Ottawa Paramedic Service – combines a computer modelling algorithm, traffic server and simulation software to give dispatchers the information they need to optimize response times to 911 calls, including real-time and near real-time data about traffic patterns at different times of day, and historical call volumes related to different regions. Dispatchers can also use the system to schedule meal breaks more efficiently and to more evenly distribute the workload among paramedics, reducing stress levels.
· A demonstration of a real-time object recognition and tracking system that is intended to enable unmanned spacecraft to capture satellites orbiting in space, alleviating the danger and cost associated with sending astronauts to perform necessary maintenance tasks. Using a stereo vision camera that mimics human vision, researchers will demonstrate how it is possible to calculate the distance between the camera and an object, enabling the accurate tracking and capture of free-flying objects. The space application will use Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) remote sensing technology that uses laser beams to calculate distances between objects and can operate in complete darkness.
· A non-invasive, compact and wearable glucose monitor for diabetes patients that will automatically alert users to low or high glucose levels and allow them to monitor the effects of diet and exercise on their condition, new technology for child vehicle safety, an intelligent system that detects fraud, , and much more.
The conference will include keynote addresses by the Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade (May 29, 7:00 p.m.); Peter Carbone, Chief Architect, Nortel (May 28, 8:00 a.m.); Dr. Joachim G. Taiber, Head of Information Technology Research Office, Information Technology Research Center, Greenville, South Carolina (May 29, 8:00 a.m.); and, Rick Whittaker, Vice-President, Investments, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (May 30, 8:00 a.m.).
About Precarn
Precarn is an inependent not-for-profit company that supports the pre-commercial development of leading-edge technologies. Precarn works with Canadian companies who are seeking to commercialize their new ideas to get an edge in global markets. Unlike other research funding programs, Precarn uses a collaborative model that includes a developer, a customer and an academic research partner in every project. This collaboration accelerates development, reduces risk and shares the cost of R&D. Precarn provides access to an extensive national network of world-class researchers, innovative companies and sources of funding. Precarn receives support from Industry Canada, other federal departments and provincial government agencies, as well as private sources. For more information on Precarn, please visit www.precarn.ca.
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