Manitoba Aerospace Week

22 MANITOBA AEROSPACE WEEK May 27 - June 4, 2016 H umans rely on their five senses for every aspect of day-to- day life. The data streams for these five senses are supplied by billions of cellular-size sensors providing information that is sourced and processed in real time. While physical systems can't match human capabilities, advanced materials and processors are enabling the specialization and miniaturization of advanced sensors that provide massive amounts of data to faster and more complex processors. Sensors are increasingly at the core of our ever-more automated world. Cars that autonomously navigate across the country and factories that operate 24-hour shifts all rely on advanced sensors for guidance. Advanced sensor application and development is at the core of new business activities taking place in Manitoba. Few people are aware that approximately 85% of the world's new large commercial aircraft developmental engines are operated in Manitoba test facilities before they are approved for flight. Test and certification facilities in Thompson and in Winnipeg form a critical link in the development and certification process for General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce aircraft engines, the world's three largest aircraft engine manufacturers. These firms have invested $100 million in these two facilities in order to perform various engineering tests, including icing ingestion. During developmental and certification testing, the accurate measurement and processing of a large number of engine parameters, often sampled thousands of times a second, is foundational to ensuring flight safety, operational economies and reducing the environmental impact of these extremely complex systems. The globally unique facilities in Winnipeg and Thompson stand out as truly impressive engineering feats. However, the advanced sensor technologies at their core are key to realizing new opportunities both inside aerospace and in the many other industry sectors driving Manitoba's robust, diverse and growing economy. One of those opportunities lies in sensor research, development and manufacturing in Manitoba. Building from the icing research and development experience, West Canitest R&D Inc. (WestCaRD) initiated the Manitoba Aerospace Sensor Centre of Excellence in September 2015 to build a joint industry-government- academic framework focusing on advanced sensing technologies. The founding parties include the National Research Council of Canada, the University of Manitoba, GE Aviation and WestCaRD. This activity builds on GE Aviation's strong and cooperative presence in Winnipeg. While a key portion of this initiative will continue to focus on GE Aviation's needs for engineering, development, and safety of flight certification activities, it has also identified an opportunity for a broader multi-sector initiative targeted at sensors for manufacturing needs beyond those of just aerospace. While the initial steps were focused on aerospace, and specifically aero-engine data requirements, the next steps will explore the sensor and sensor integration technologies for the "factories of the future" or "Industry 4.0." Industry 4.0 will see humans and autonomous robots working safely and collaboratively, seamlessly designing, selecting or machining sub- components, assembling, and then shipping products around the world. To reach its ultimate potential this process must be fully integrated and must be able to correct errors and inefficiencies on the fly. These future products, such as engines, will employ sensors during manufacture and then use those same sensors to monitor their operation in service. System health during operations will be communicated to the manufacturer, who will likely draw more revenues in servicing those products than in selling them. Every time you take off in a new airliner, you are counting on the excellent work done, in part in Manitoba, to ensure that you safely reach your destination. Now, the Manitoba Aerospace Sensor Centre of Excellence partners, supported by effective and far-sighted government involvement, are exploiting the province's niche industrial and academic strengths to develop sensors for the factories of the future right here in Manitoba. Stay tuned as advanced sensor technology workshops are planned for 2016 in Ottawa and Winnipeg that will further explore and expand this exciting initiative. ❚ — Bob Hastings CD P.Eng., CEO West Canitest R&D Inc. FUTURE SENSE T H E M A N I T O B A A E R O S P A C E S E N S O R C E N T R E O F E X C E L L E N C E West Canitest R&D Inc. (WestCaRD) engine test facility at the Winnipeg International Airport.

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