There’s a definite buzz in the air at Ontario Tech University’s Automotive Centre of Excellence – ACE for short. Ontario is moving quickly and decisively to become a leading global hub for developing and building the cars of the future, and ACE is primed to play a pivotal role. Unique in the world, ACE offers a range of full-sized test chambers that allow for full climatic, aerodynamic, structural durability, and lifecycle testing. Its signature chamber is the Climatic Wind Tunnel. One of the most sophisticated of its kind anywhere, it’s designed to validate prototype vehicles under a wide range of climatic conditions -- including sun, rain, freezing rain, light snow and blizzards – with wind speeds capable of 300 km/h and temperatures ranging from -40C to +60C. A recent addition to the Climatic Wind Tunnel is a Moving Ground Plane (MGP). Essentially a giant belt that acts as a road moving under a vehicle, the MGP allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to test the aerodynamics of their vehicles and measure their physical characteristics in real-world conditions. “It really gives us unparalleled capabilities,” enthuses Dr. Justin Gammage, the university’s senior executive advisor for strategic research priorities and industry collaborations. “And the fact that we are able to test remotely is an added bonus, particularly during COVID-19.” Remarkable though it is, the facility is only part of the reason an ever-increasing number of OEMs – established and emerging – are beating a path to ACE’s door in Oshawa, Ontario, much to the delight of the university. They’re also drawn by the “full-service support staff” and academic faculty who happen to be some of the world’s brightest engineers in areas ranging from security to electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, alternate fuels to artificial intelligence. It’s not just OEMs that are eager to collaborate with ACE. Ontario Tech recently announced it is part of a Big Data research project involving the University of Miami’s Institute for Data Science and Computing, and High-Performance Computing (HPC) leader GlassHouse Systems. Together, the three partners are creating a powerful high-performance cloud based on IBM technologies. Combining massive amounts of data to mirror real-world weather events and analyzing them, the goal is to ensure safe, connected and accessible movement of people and goods and build resiliency against severe weather occurrences driven by climate change. Project Arrow: ACE and Ontario Tech drive production of a cutting-edge car of the future With all that ACE and Ontario Tech have to offer, it’s no surprise they’ve been tapped to take the lead on phase two of Project Arrow, a visionary and ambitious pan-Canadian automotive project. Conceived by the Canadian Automotive Manufacturers’ Association and supported by more than 400 companies and research partners, Project Arrow’s mission is to build an all-Canadian, zero emissions, EV prototype – and to have it ready for unveiling at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2023. There’s a lot riding on its success. Project Arrow aims to turn Ontario into a major centre for EV production by increasing the province’s EV development capacity, supporting future-thinking industry R&D, ensuring a growing EV supply chain and paving the way for new OEM EV assembly mandates. With the design phase complete, ACE is now tasked with rapid prototype build and proof-of-concept testing – a tall order in the short time frame allowed, but one the university is confident it will meet. Carleton University’s School of Industrial Design provided the design for the Arrow zero-emissions, EV car, which will feature connected and autonomous tech and the latest in propulsion technology. Engineers at Ontario Tech’s ACE Innovation Garage now take over to build the Arrow for the real world. “ACE has been heavily focused on the development and deployment of new advanced manufacturing technologies that are going to be key to us producing the Arrow,” says Les Jacobs, Ontario Tech’s vice president of research and innovation. Still, it’s a first for Ontario’s auto industry which has never seen a university integrated quite this way in the creation of a new vehicle. Producing the innovators of the future ACE – and Ontario Tech – are used to pulling off a series of “firsts”. And with a global reputation built over the past 10 years, together with a growing number of international partnerships, they’re attracting highly qualified faculty and bright, ambitious students. A big drawing card for potential students at Ontario Tech is the prospect of using the facilities at ACE and its Innovation Garage, a collaborative space where industry, academic researchers and students come together. “Experiential learning is at the centre of what we do at ACE,” says Gammage. “Students get to work with innovative companies on real-word projects using one-of-a-kind facilities, which is invaluable for them. It also means that companies can take a good look at our students, assess them and recruit, knowing what they’re capable of.” It all makes for a win-win scenario that showcases how a new generation of auto makers are partnering to make Ontario, Canada a global centre of influence in the world of transportation and innovation. See what ACE can do for you Disclaimer: This third party video may not have been made accessible and may be only available in English
success storiesUniversity of Toronto AV researchers take on winterAutonomous Driving in Adverse Conditions – WinTOR for short -- which aims to teach self-driving cars how to handle whatever winter throws their way. spotlights5 reasons Ontario is poised to lead the future of electric vehicle productionExperts predict the province will be a crucial jurisdiction in the global production and development of electric vehicles. Ontario is poised to build the innovative technologies… spotlightsHow Ontario, Canada is driving the future of the automotive sector globallyThe Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), a flagship initiative led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation and the provincial government, is bridging our strengths… success storiesRob Wildeboer on Martinrea – and the integrated North American auto industryOne of the world’s largest parts makers, Martinrea says being headquartered in Ontario enables it to innovate and respond nimbly in an industry moving rapidly to EV production.… success storiesIrish fintech startup Swoop has landed in Ontario's flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystemSince launching in Ontario, Swoop Canada has struck a chord, building up its Canadian client base to over 500 companies, and is looking at tripling its team within 12 months. “… Press ReleaseOntario, Canada, launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologiesOntario launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologies. Press ReleaseOntario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availabilityOntario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availability. Partnership building Electric vehicle chargers at all ONroute locations. success storiesHydrostor: reshaping the global energy gridOntario’s an ideal place to start a business, particularly in the green energy space. The R… success storiesOntario's Dalton Pharma Services advances the world's therapeutic drug innovationsSome of the world’s most innovative medicines can be traced back to the labs and manufacturing facilities of Dalton Pharma Services. spotlights4 reasons Ontario’s green and cost-effective power mix bolsters EV productionFour reasons Ontario’s green and cost-effective power mix bolsters electric vehicle production – auto tech strengths amplified by clean energy advantage. Press ReleaseOntario, Canada, stakes its claim to compete for future auto sector investmentsPhase 2 of Driving Prosperity plan will grow Ontario’s auto sector and secure new investments in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing success storiesEQ Works is revolutionizing how companies understand their customers from its “home base” in TorontoKnowledge is power, but many companies have historically known very little about their customers—at least until data analytics companies like EQ Works came along.
