The challenge deadline is on February 14, 2025. Please note that the information below is from https://www.oc-innovation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CIT-Robotics-Sector-Adoption-Challenge_January-2025.pdf
Before applying, applicants are encouraged to contact our team of Economic Development Officers who can help assess the fit with the program and provide advice on application preparation by calling (519) 332 1820 or email contact@sarnialambton.on.ca
For more information, visit https://www.oc-innovation.ca/programs/cit/
Challenge
Launch: January 17, 2025
Challenge Deadline: February 14, 2025
Available Funding: Up to $500,000 (2:1 match from applicant)
Timeline: Maximum project duration of up to 1 year
Eligible Sectors
- Advanced Manufacturing
• Agri-Food
• Construction
• Mining
Eligible Technologies
- Robotics
• Solutions incorporating additional critical technologies are eligible and encouraged, provided they are seamlessly integrated with the robot-driven solution. These technologies should enhance and extend the proposed robotic functionality:
o AI/ML
o 5G & Advanced Networks
o Blockchain
o Cybersecurity
o Quantum
Challenge Info Webinar
- Date: January 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM
• REGISTER: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6e388e46-e1b4-47a1-959d-c879e2e8502e
Challenge Statement
In the era of Industry 4.0, robotics technology stands as a cornerstone of industrial transformation. Ontario’s key sectors – Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, and Mining – present unique opportunities for pioneering robotics applications. This challenge calls upon Ontario-based SMEs to spearhead consortia-driven projects that leverage advanced robotics to revolutionize sector-specific processes, enhance operational excellence, and catalyze widespread adoption across these critical industries. We seek projects that implement advanced robotics applications, with a clear focus on scalability, real-world deployment, and sector-wide impact.
Key Project Examples
- Automated Material Handling: Deploy physics-enabled robotics to optimize sorting, movement, and management of materials, focusing on cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Precision Robotics for Quality Control: Use vision-guided robotics for real-time quality inspection to enhance product quality and safety compliance.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Automate repetitive or hazardous tasks to improve operational efficiency.
• Advanced Robotics for Construction Automation: Utilize robotics for site inspection, welding, and bricklaying to improve precision and productivity.
• Mobile Robotics: Develop applications for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and Advanced Humanoid Robots (AHR).
Expected Impact and Adoption
Selected SMEs are encouraged to partner and collaborate with industry leaders to deploy and scale advanced robotic solutions. Projects should aim to:
• Enhance scalability and sectoral impact, with potential adoption as industry standards.
• Improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance output quality.
• Augment workforce capabilities by automating repetitive tasks and upskilling workers.
Project Details
- Lead applicants must be Ontario-based SMEs meeting Sector Adoption Program Guidelines.
• Projects must involve at least one end-user or industry partner to validate the solution’s commercial readiness.
• Additional project partners with robotics expertise are encouraged to contribute to the project.
• Activities must be completed within Ontario and demonstrate outcomes within one year.
Project Outcomes and Participation Benefits
- Demonstrate significant advancements in Ontario’s key sectors.
• Drive sustainable growth by increasing precision, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity.
• Create new employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.