Saskatchewan Polytechnic is open for business

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Applied research projects address real-life challenges  


Saskatchewan Polytechnic is ready to help with the “building of the future”. With extensive capacity to partner with the construction industry to conduct applied research involving smart technology and alternative energy sources Sask Polytech can help employers adapt to scientific advancements and changing industry needs.

Applied research partnerships support industry players helping them adapt, innovate, remain competitive and contribute to economic growth and job creation in our province. A wide variety of industries work with Sask Polytech as applied research partners.  Our partners gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and faculty expertise, in addition to funding for research and development.

“Where we see the construction industry heading is not just energy efficient building, but smart construction in general,” says Kevin Rogers, Sask Polytech’s acting associate vice-president of Applied Research and Innovation.

Dr. Terry Peckham, research chair at Sask Polytech’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence, echoes those comments on smart technology. His team can customize voice-controlled technology. “Alexa, for example, has standard protocols, so if we want to add new things we can create the system to interface with it,” says Peckham. “Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security and other systems can all be programmed to interface with an existing device, or we can build a circuit board to do that.”

Peckham says there are also opportunities to collaborate with construction companies on document management, scheduling and project management software. “One of the biggest problems for construction companies is tracking documentation.”

He says customized software can help streamline workflows. What parts were ordered from what companies, when they are the expected to arrive on site, what deliveries had missing or damaged items. “All those logistics can be easily tracked,” says Peckham.

Sask Polytech has forged highly successful applied research partnerships in several industries including manufacturing, technology and mining and has been leading the way in 3D technology application since the 1980’s. Rogers sees strong potential to work together with the construction industry because Sask Polytech is already training the tradespeople of tomorrow.

“The construction industry is changing rapidly,” says Rogers. “There are many opportunities for applied research initiatives to further Sask Polytech’s support of this important industry.”

Do you have a research idea, prototype or project you’d like to explore with Sask Polytech? Contact:

Kevin Rogers
Acting Associate Vice-President
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
306-659-3938
kevin.rogers@saskpolytech.ca

This article was originally published in the Saskatchewan Construction Association's We Build magazine.

Published October 2018.

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