SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) works as a hub of collaboration with industry partners to create commercial solutions through applied research.
The speed of change affecting the world is massive — and a shared ability to respond is essential. Looking ahead to collaboration through Horizon Europe and in support of an international approach to tackling real-world problems with innovative solutions, SAIT researchers can be found in the network of Horizon Europe researchers.
Located in Calgary, at the heart of Western Canada, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s ARIS Hub is a driving force behind Alberta’s cutting-edge research landscape. The 79,000 square foot state-of-the-art research labs and facilities are fuelled by a dynamic team of more than 70 research experts dedicated to providing services and solutions.
Jamie McInnis, Director of ARIS Hub, said: “Our research team is characterised by a high level of talent and specialised knowledge, supported by high-level facilities.
“Our goal is to establish the ARIS Hub as a centre for applied research in Alberta, anticipating challenges and developing innovative solutions, which drive impactful advancements for the broader community.”
The Hub bridges the gap between academia, industry and communities, uniting researchers, innovators, and students. This dynamic fusion cultivates skills, drives innovation, and transforms concepts into tangible solutions, significantly advancing economic and environmental efforts both locally and globally. Building relationships with new industry partners in emerging growth sectors is key to supporting economic diversification.
This practical approach focuses on the direct application of knowledge and the creation of innovations to address industry and community needs. Focused around four key research areas and developed by a team of information technology experts, each project is defined and supported from design to pre-commercialisation.
Key research areas include:
- Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS)
- Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM)
- Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS)
- Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC)
Empowering energy innovation at the Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions
The Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS) works with partners to harness the power of green energy initiatives and sustain conventional energy resources. The one-of-a-kind research facilities enable the team of researchers and technologists, with expertise in chemical and process engineering, electrochemistry, environmental science and analytical instrumentation, to provide solutions to national and international energy challenges.
Dr Ehsan Aminfar, Research Chair at CERCUTS, said: “As a technology solutions provider, CERCUTS is working with industry toward a more sustainable future.
“Our applied research partnerships accelerate innovation through reduced risk for organisations during the research process and connects startups with large enterprises looking for new approaches to solve environmental challenges.”
Some of CERCUTS’ recent collaborations include:
- Oil and gas producers developing more sustainable and efficient processes.
- Energy storage technology developers.
- Water treatment and purification companies.
- Hydrogen and fuel cell developers and innovators.
- Subject matter experts looking to complete proof-of-concept, prototype and feasibility testing.
Stabilising renewable energy with vanadium battery
As the demand for electrical energy increases, so does the need to find appropriate energy storage solutions. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can be unpredictable. The vanadium redox flow battery is a breakthrough technology to ensure a consistent energy supply by capturing excess energy during peak times and releasing it when production dips.
The battery stores energy in liquid form, making it perfect for large-scale energy storage. The first installation will be at the high school in Frog Lake First Nation, an Indigenous community in northern Alberta, Canada, where it will provide backup power.
Improving once-through steam generation processes
A $2m research collaboration is focused on finding improved energy and environmental solutions to one of the oil and gas industry’s most common operational problems in the oilsands: erosion and corrosion in once-through steam generators (OTSG).
As part of the project, researchers from CERCUTS opened a OTSG laboratory which will use scaled-model OTSG pilot rigs to conduct in-situ steam research, allowing testing to take place without having to compromise commercial units in the field.
Propelling innovation at the Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
The Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM) fosters cutting-edge digital manufacturing technologies and pioneers solutions in novel materials across diverse industries.
CIRAMM is the newest centre in the ARIS Hub and collaborates with partners in various service areas. These include design, simulation, manufacturing and prototyping, materials and processing, material characterisation, and robotics and automation.
Dr Hamid Rajani, Research Chair at CIRAMM, said: “Investment in smart manufacturing and materials will create vital new opportunities to collaborate with industry.
“By focusing on strategic industries such as aerospace, digital manufacturing, construction and energy, CIRAMM enhances efficiency, resilience and sustainability, driving significant advancements in these fields.”
NATO Defence innovation accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) partnership
NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network is working to connect innovators with the resources needed to develop dual-use technologies with a wide variety of security and civilian applications.
ARIS Hub is joining the network to lend its expertise in materials science, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation through CIRAMM. As one of two test centres in Alberta and 13 in Canada, CIRAMM will provide services to support start-ups and entrepreneurs as they demonstrate and validate emerging security solutions. Access to SAIT’s cutting-edge facilities and advice from the team of research experts will be available to innovators associated with DIANA’s more than 200 affiliated sites and centres.
Integrating AI adoption into manufacturing and materials
CIRAMM’s five cutting-edge laboratories — robotics and automation, advanced manufacturing, intelligent design and additive manufacturing, advanced materials characterisation, and composite and sustainable materials — drive research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and materials science. By leveraging AI for predictive algorithms and novel material design, CIRAMM is developing solutions that optimise manufacturing processes and accelerate the creation of advanced materials.
CIRAMM’s projects include AI-driven modelling for materials performance, design and development of metamaterials, machine learning algorithms to predict manufacturing system behaviours, and the integration of AI and robotics to streamline production. This holistic approach addresses critical industry gaps and aligns with global sustainability goals, fostering adaptive manufacturing ecosystems.
Focusing on the construction sector at the ACT Hub
CIRAMM’s Alternative Construction Technologies (ACT) Hub will play a role in filling gaps in local construction productivity by reducing project costs, enabling more efficient and higher quality production while minimising environmental impact.
- The ACT Hub advances collaborative activities between academic and industrial experts
- This dynamic space incubates and commercialises emerging technologies through state-of-the-art automation and materials science facilities, while training multidisciplinary and highly qualified personnel.
- The ACT Hub fosters meaningful, accessible and available solutions to support affordable housing.
CIRAMM works with partners in small- and medium-sized enterprises as well as large corporations, such as ABB and De Havilland, to advance projects from the initial design concept through to prototyping and testing.
Mastering drone evolution at the Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems
The Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS), is the most advanced remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) research and development centre in North America, with some of its systems and sensors being unique to the continent.
Wade Hawkins, Research Chair at CIRUS, said: “Combining new RPAS technology, such as beyond visual line-of-sight operation and heavy payload lift, along with advances in sensors, image accuracy, data analysis and telemedicine has led to incredible innovation.
“By tapping into the cross-disciplinary environment of the ARIS Hub, our research teams are uncovering solutions for improved safety in hazardous and remote areas, expanded data collection, more accurate insights and greater operational efficiency across diverse industries.”
Researchers work across a diverse range of sectors to address four key challenges with industry partners:
- Innovative applications of unmanned vehicles.
- Sensors and related equipment.
- Application and customisation.
- Validation and integration of data products derived from unmanned systems.
Delivering medical support to remote communities
Using an RPAS capable of lifting up to 45kg, this joint research project works to improve medical services for Indigenous communities and remote access sites. CIRUS and partners at the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services began the project during the COVID-19 pandemic to test the delivery of PPE and test kits to remote communities, as well as their safe return to medical centres for testing.
In the latest stage of the project, the team test delivered an emergency medical treatment (Stop the Bleed) to a volunteer. The drone was able to deliver the kit within reachable distance of the volunteer, who then unpacked the kit, set up a phone to connect with a remote medical mentor and successfully treated the injury. The combination of RPAS medical delivery and remote communication support could improve outcomes for those living in Indigenous communities and remote access sites.
A remotely piloted future
In 2023, CIRUS launched the Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems certificate, the first programme of its kind in Canada, to meet the growing demand for heavy-lift drone pilots and technicians. Initially available with one intake, the programme quickly moved to two intakes and continues to have a waitlist at every intake. To deliver world-class training at the centre, two SAIT employees, Sara Ashoori and Stephanie Lapointe completed the certification process and are the first female flight instructors for heavy-lift, long-range drones in Canada. Instructors from CIRUS provide training comparable to that of an aerial vehicle, where pilots receive an intensive education to operate a specific aircraft.
Common uses of unmanned aircraft systems — such as surveying and mapping — are often the starting point for longer-term industry collaborations. Partnerships advance as benefits stack up.
Building for the future at the Green Building Technology Access Centre
Since 2008, the Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC) has spearheaded applied research and development for the commercialisation of sustainable building technologies. As one of only three Technology Access Centres in Canada focused on the construction sector, GBTAC takes a collaborative approach with organisations to identify and develop new technologies, processes and systems.
Melanie Ross, Research Chair at GBTAC, said: “With a focus on the future, GBTAC partners with industry to advance sustainability in the built environment.
“Currently, one of our focus areas is developing deep energy retrofit solutions and strategies to advance sustainable building practices locally, regionally and with Indigenous communities.”
The team boasts a wide range of expertise — architectural, mechanical, civil, environmental, carpentry, energy, data and modelling — to advance research that will fundamentally transform how to build, educate, and develop skilled tradespeople.
Located on SAIT’s main campus, the 16,000-square-foot Green Building Technology Lab and Demonstration Centre is a living, breathing example of energy efficiency, building-integrated green technologies and renewable energy solutions. The space includes:
- The cold climate mechanical testing lab.
- The renewables lab (photovoltaic and thermal energy, battery storage).
- Water lab, greywater filtration, green roof.
- Structural, hydrothermal building envelope testing.
- Wall sample library and education centre.
Partnership with Frog Lake First Nation
Two projects were developed through an ongoing research partnership with Frog Lake First Nation, an Indigenous community in Alberta, Canada, to create solutions that address immediate and long-term sustainability goals for the community. These projects align with Indigenous cultural values, such as land stewardship, sustainability, and balance.
The first project addresses housing challenges with two community-driven housing designs that embrace net-zero principles for emissions and energy efficiency. The homes will be durable, built with readily available materials and easy to maintain by residents and local professionals.
To find innovative energy solutions, the second project is a joint ARIS Hub project with GBTAC and CERCUTS, and includes small-scale vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), which have a compact design perfect for populated areas, enabling decentralised energy generation. This project will pair a commercial VAWT with the vanadium battery CERCUTS has developed to provide backup power at Frog Lake Tus-Tuk-EE-SKAWS High School.
Research in action: Designing a temporary city
Following a multi-year series of projects, Canada’s Department of National Defence awarded the top prize in their pop-up city contest to the Circular City team. Circular City’s groundbreaking solution featured the world’s first mobile wastewater recycling system powered by renewable energy. The innovative final submission reduced fuel, water and waste for relocatable temporary camps, redefining logistics for military bases, remote communities and disaster response units.
GBTAC’s ongoing projects accelerate efforts to meet national net-zero goals and reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the building sector.
Boosting results with independent researchers
Customised solutions require custom electronics. The ARIS Hub’s four centres are supported by a team of independent researchers who specialise in information technology and computer sciences and tailor technology to match each project’s specific requirements. From the field and specialised labs, like the state-of-the-art surface mount technology (SMT) laboratory, research is underway to address challenges, foreign object detection, and methane leak detection.
Staying agile at the SMT lab
The SMT laboratory supports comprehensive electronic design, assembly and testing processes from initial concept to final product for academic and industry-level research and development needs. The technology allows the team to assemble electronic components directly onto a printed circuit board.
Using industrial-grade machines; the pick-and-place machine and a sophisticated five-stage reflow oven, expedites assembly processes, which are invaluable for prototype development and small-scale production runs. The in-house assembly process significantly speeds up the design and testing workflow, as engineers and technicians can quickly assemble prototypes, adjust and re-test without the delays associated with outsourcing.
Gaining insights for methane detection
Methane emissions reduction is a complex issue. Sources must be identified and monitored, while emissions need to be measured, quantified, and recorded to provide insights needed for effective mitigation strategies. Despite the advances in sensor technology, independent methane monitoring studies have exhibited significant discrepancies between measured quantities.
The ARIS Hub is working to develop a method to more reliably quantify methane emissions to address this challenge. Through controlled release experiments using a drone, an open-path laser spectrometer, a column-density meter and drone-mounted sensors, a methane leak source data is collected and subjected to further numerical analysis for method development.
Discover SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services, a driving force behind Alberta’s cutting-edge research landscape.
