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SYDNEY, N.S. —

The robots are coming — and they want to help Cape Breton University students land jobs in technologically advanced fields.

The university is purchasing unmanned ground vehicles and a remotely operated submersible vehicle, as well as an industrial robot and automation training system.

Paul Standing, chair of CBU’s engineering department, said the robotic research platforms will help give students in the science, technology, engineering and math programs a competitive edge.

“The acquisition of this equipment will enable our students to attain an advanced level of applied robotics and automation training that will prepare them very well to contribute significantly in the most innovative and challenging of technological and engineering workplaces in Canada,” Standing said in a media release issued by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency on Monday.

The federal government is contributing $318,750 to the purchase of the new equipment through ACOA’s regional economic growth innovation program.

Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner announced Ottawa’s support for the project on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also the minister responsible for ACOA. 

Cape Breton University is purchasing this Deep Trekker submersible remotely operated vehicle. It is capable of operating to depths of 300 metres for up to six hours, has a high-definition camera with recording capability, and a mechanical probe that can collect sediment or water samples.
Cape Breton University is purchasing this Deep Trekker submersible remotely operated vehicle. It is capable of operating to depths of 300 metres for up to six hours, has a high-definition camera with recording capability, and a mechanical probe that can collect sediment or water samples.

The small unmanned ground vehicles, called Jackals, are weatherproof and can travel over all terrains. They have a range of sensors and are capable of mapping and monitoring tasks such as security services.

The Deep Trekker submersible remotely operated vehicle is capable of operating to depths of 300 metres for up to six hours. It has a high-definition camera with recording capability, a light detection and ranging scanner, and a mechanical manipulation probe that can to collect sediment or water samples.

The automated business training system and industrial robots from Festo-Didatic simulate modern production and manufacturing processes. This equipment will help teach students programmable logic control principles and support collaborative ventures with local manufacturers.

CBU president David Dingwall said the federal funding ensures CBU’s approximately 3,500 students — and the community — have access to state-of-the-art equipment.

“This funding will further allow us to create graduates who are solution-oriented, problem-solvers and fulfil our purpose of supporting our students, but also strengthen our connection to the business community through enhanced technology with the purpose of growing the economy,” he said in the release.

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