Matthew Jerabek likes to tell a story about walking through the DARE District for the first time and feeling like he knew every nook and cranny of Algonquin College’s grand new innovation space.
In fact, thanks to virtual reality, he was fully acquainted with it long before opening day. Today’s technology had made it possible to take the DARE District designs in building information modeling (BIM) software and import them into VR, where visitors could explore its spaces at leisure.
“While the building was still thought, an idea, a hole in the ground,” he said, “the architects could walk through it on a one-to-one scale and witness the design they had created. If you have a design, it is almost impossible to see all the details before you can actually walk through it. Thanks to VR, they saved above $1 million in rework because they could ‘walk through it”’ before it was built. And because I was able to experience this, I was able to navigate the building easily the first time I was in it.”
Imagine the advantages for archeologists exploring remote sites, for astronauts exploring space, for artists devising complex creations — the list of serious applications is limitless. Following an introduction by Doug Wotherspoon, Vice President, Innovation and Strategy, Jerabek, Impact Coordinator, Applied Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship and lead of the Makerspace, and Anthony Scavarelli, Professor, Design Studies, invited their noon-hour audience to consider the possibilities as part of their Tech Tuesday talk on the Future of Virtual Reality at Algonquin.
Jarabek’s first VR experience took place during 2016’s Applied Research Day (an event now known as RE/ACTION). He remembers watching with the assembled crowd as a five-year-old girl made “incredible” artwork using VR software created by a team of Algonquin College graduates.
When she was done, he decided he wanted to try out the VR experience.
“I put the headset on,” he said. “The crowd around me disappeared. I looked up at the stars in a dark sky. I was completely transported into an amazing new experience. Once I was in this new world, I wanted to explore. I had this heightened curiosity. And curiosity leads to discovery. Learning through discovery is one of the most impactful ways you can engage your mind.”
Algonquin College has earned its place in VR lore through the success of MasterpieceVR, the world’s first collaborative 3-D painting, sculpting, and modeling program. Its programmers include alumni from the Game Development and Mobile Application Design and Development programs.
The future of VR and learning over the next decade is the topic of Scavarelli’s doctoral research. In his presentation, he highlighted two main concepts that are driving interest and innovation in the field: immersion, which brings people into virtual space, and presence, the “funny state” where individuals actually believe that virtual space is a real space.
“Presence is a very subjective term, and everyone has different levels of it,” he said. “It’s very hard for me to believe I’m in a real space. But my kids, for example — if I put them in, they believe right away.”
Scavarelli’s research is leading him to ask questions related to the applications and impact of virtual reality. How can we create more authentic learning experiences using this sense of presence? How do we connect better and collaborate in this learning space? And how do we include the increasingly diverse learners in post-secondary institutions in the process?
One of VR’s great advantages for learning, he said, is its experiential nature.
“Using your body to interact with things is more powerful than reading about it in a book,” he noted and reminded his audience of an aphorism attributed to Confucius: “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” The merits of active learning have been understood for thousands of years.
What’s next for virtual reality? Will it stumble, as it did in the ‘90s, only to be renewed by another generation devoted to its merits? Scavarelli is exploring the questions and potential answers. Will VR be for everyone? Can it be used to create a platform for collaborative learning in post-secondary institutions? How do we make immersive environments feel safe for people who don’t like being isolated by the headsets now in use?
He didn’t offer many answers, only a researcher’s certainty: “There’s a lot to figure out.”
This past week, Alex Yang, Managing Director of the Construction Research Centre at Algonquin College spoke at CanBIM on the research capabilities, an understanding of the applied research partnership opportunities, some examples of the Construction Research Centre’s capabilities and some insight into the Digital College initiative.
Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College offers multiple ways to develop a partnership with private organizations to conduct collaborative applied research projects and to access government subsidies to offset costs. These projects can access the College’s dedicated research equipment including LiDAR tools, 3D modeling software, and environments, Thermographic imaging, 3D printing, building performance measurement and more.
In a new engaging initiative, Construction Research Centre is developing a digital model of the entire campus using BIM and focused on creating a road map to guide user-centric development of tools and capabilities to serve the community.
Thank you to the Canada BIM Council for allowing our team to speak about Algonquin College’s research initiatives at CanBIM: Ottawa Satellite Session.
Canada BIM Council serves as Canada’s business voice for the entire architecture, engineering, construction, owner, operator, and education community who are working collectively to adopt and implement digital technologies and practices.
To learn more about Canada BIM Council visit: www.canbim.com
On Feb. 26, the Data Analytics Centre at Algonquin College hosted an open session demonstrating ‘Data Analytics for Rural Transformation’ / DART.
DART is a cloud-based software solution supporting the socio-economic planning of rural communities. It can integrate and visualize data from a variety of sources in various formats into one dashboard-style interface with powerful search and reporting functions.
The event was attended by Mike Barre (National Research Council-IRAP), Alessandro Alasia (Statistics Canada), Mariane Huard (Standards Council of Canada) and Phillip Dawe (Centre for Security Science).
DART addresses the following challenge: In the face of evolving open data and e-government initiatives, rural municipalities and community organizations have access to an increasing amount of data but have limited capacity to amalgamate, interpret, analyze and visualize it. For data to be useful in support of evidence-based decision-making, municipalities and organizations require the ability to derive insights quickly, efficiently and with limited resources.
With DART municipal and community-based organizations have access to:
• User-Friendly data integration and visualization tool with a dashboard interface
• Reports that are available by custom geography
• Flexibility for land-use planning, economic development, social services, etc.
• Regularly updated with latest available data
• Map-based visualization
Through one intuitive interface, the DART application can import community profiles and other data from a variety of sources in various formats, enable demographic, economic and property queries, calculate proximity to community resources and visualize the information in charts, graphs, or maps.
DART was developed as a collaborative research project between the ‘Data Analytics Centre’ and ‘Community Analytics Associates’. Students from various programs contributed to the effort: Computer Technology – Data Science, Computer Programmer, Interactive Media and Design and Graphic Design. ‘Community Analytics Associates’ currently ‘incubates’ in the DARE District.
The Office of Applied Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship is seeking volunteer judges for the applied research showcase competition on Friday, August 9th, 2019.
Every year, student teams work on applied projects in which they apply knowledge and skills acquired through their field of study. This spring, they will be on display at the applied research showcase: “RE/ACTION” on Friday, August 9th, 2019. Research projects fall into a number of categories:
Science, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, Business, and Management
Information Technologies, Mobile and Web Design
Judges evaluate selected student team’s results, based on novelty/creativity, technical competence, impact, the strength of client-team interactions and communication and presentation skills.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and industry leaders to network with Algonquin’s capable and motivated academic community of students and faculty.
Those interested in participating as judges, or who have more questions about this opportunity, can contact:
Danielle Evong
Office of Applied Research and Innovation, Algonquin College evongd@algonquincollege.com
613-727-4723 ext. 5213
Paid Student Researcher Positions
with the National Research Council of Canada and Algonquin’s Data Analytics Centre (DAC)
Renewable full- and/or part-time contract positions are now available as part of a new high-profile collaboration between the Data Analytics Centres of the National Research Council of Canada and Algonquin College. We are looking for quick learners who would be excited to further develop their skills in the booming areas of data-related technologies.
Responsibilities:
Engage in real, practical, industry-driven applied research and development.
Collaborate closely with clients and teammates to guarantee the success of the project.
Design and develop custom software using technologies of choice and best practices.
Collect and groom data, debug and troubleshoot code and workflows.
Requirements: Experience with at least some of the following areas of software engineering will be expected:
Python, Java, C/C++, Linux bash shell scripting.
Database design and administration, SQL, Apache server / MySQL…
Exposing and consuming RESTful APIs.
Container technologies / Docker.
A thirst to learn new things and to constantly improve your work, problem-solver mentality.
Preference will be given to candidates with some experience in Machine-Learning, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Cloud-based technologies (Amazon Web Services, MS Azure and Google Cloud Platform).
Paid Student Researcher Positions
with Algonquin’s Data Analytics Centre (DAC) – General
Renewable full- and/or part-time contract positions are now available as part of a new high-profile collaboration between the Algonquin’s Data Analytics Centre (DAC) and a number of dynamic, fast-growing companies. We are looking for quick learners who would be excited to further develop their skills in the booming areas of data-related technologies.
Responsibilities:
Engage in real, practical, industry-driven applied research and development.
Collaborate closely with clients and teammates to guarantee the success of the project.
Design and develop custom software using modern technologies of choice and best practices.
Collect and groom data, debug and troubleshoot code and workflows.
Requirements:
Python, Java, C/C++, Linux bash shell scripting
Familiarity with Embedded Technologies and Raspberry Pi
Matlab, Image Processing
Exposing and consuming RESTful APIs.
Database design and administration, SQL, Apache server / MySQL…
A desire to learn new things and to constantly improve your work, problem-solver mentality
Preference will be given to students with some knowledge in Business Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud-based SaaS or any other data-related technologies.
Looking to incorporate sustainability into your curriculum? Look no further!
Algonquin College will be hosting a Sustainable Development Goals Youth Training conference in the Winter 2019 semester. SDGs Youth Training Canada is a project of the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship (FES), a registered charity founded in 2012. Their mission is to educate and empower the final generation who can solve climate change to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. SDGs Youth Training Canada 2017 mobilized 5,900+ students from 77 post-secondary institutions at 32 training sessions across Canada.
This workshop will not only educate students on sustainability and the SDGs, but will also engage them through workshops and team exercises.
Date: Saturday, March 23rd, 2019
Time: 9:30AM until 5:30PM
Location: Building T Room 102,
Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Parking: The weekend parking fee will be $5/day in Lots 8, 9, 10 and 12.
Note: Red, Green, Black and Orange permit holders (Lots 8, 9, 10, 12) do not need to pay additional for evening/weekend parking in these lots.
Lunch will be provided but we would like to ask participants to bring food for the food donation for the food cupboard. Also, in support of the theme of sustainability, we ask that you bring your own water bottle or travel mug for beverages.
Dedicated, passionate and driven. Vijay Abhichandani, has been an incredible asset to the team at Algonquin College – Applied Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship. This past summer, Vijay was a part of the student team that won first place at the RE/ACTION Showcase (Summer 2018) for their work on Nightlight.
Nightlight is an SMS based emergency response system that connects event-goers directly to emergency services at large festivals or gatherings with the goal of reducing the number of sexual assaults often associated with such events. Nightlight doubles as an interactive chatbot that can provide users with information about an event.
Presenters: Cameron Bell, Jervin Francisco, Vijaykumar Abhichandani Professor: Kevin Holmes Industry Partner: Nightlight Consultants
Vijay was recently highlighted by Algonquin College on his student experience and how the practical approach of a polytechnics education has supported his journey. This is just the beginning, can’t wait for what the future has in store! Congratulations Vijay!
Yesterday one of our incredible student projects, TetraStack Robot (aka Jeffrey) was highlighted on CTV Ottawa. Watch the clip to see how Algonquin College, its staff and students are leading the charge in robotics in the National Capital Region.
Jeffrey is an autonomous robot designed to see, scan, touch, pick up, and place objects. The team used a Tetrix robotics kit, a National Instruments MyRio controller and a webcam to design, build and Program a custom robot prototype. Custom sensors were built using what they have learned in Computer Interfacing. The blob detection algorithm is being developed using the C programming language and OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library). This project shows exactly what our Computer Engineering Technology – Computing Science students can do with their advanced skills in analysis, design, algorithms, hardware, software engineering and troubleshooting.
Robots that can process and react to real-time sensory input such as video are important in many Artificial Intelligence applications such as self-driving cars, space exploration and environmental cleanup. Jeffrey is being developed to compete in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Canadian finals in 2019. In 2020, the WRO international finals will be held in Canada for the first time creating an opportunity for Algonquin students to show off their skills and innovation to the world. Jeffrey must learn to pick up TetraStack blocks and stack them in a real-life version of the Tetris video game.
Partner: Algonquin College Professors: Leanne Seaward & Todd Kelly Presenters: Nicholas Richer, Curtis Mccartney, Armando Arenas and Tiago Donchegay
Drive-By-Wire Conversion for Autonomous Patrol Vehicle
1st Place Winning Project
Drive-by-Wire (DBW) conversion of a commercial police patrol vehicle. The DBW conversion will enable the vehicle to be operated via a gamepad that is attached directly to the vehicle by USB or a short-range RF (Radio Frequency) dongle. The DBW conversion will represent the first step toward the Cohort Systems’s long-term goal of creating an autonomous, collaborative unmanned patrol vehicle–i.e.a robotic sentry. The robotic sentry will incorporate the company’s proprietary autonomous vehicle software systems that have proven track record in commercial use.
The DBW conversion will make use of an existing, off-the-shelf, manned police sentry vehicle. It, therefore, represents a highly efficient development pathway because it will leverage the existing commercial vehicle as a ready-built platform.
Presenters: Bernardo Maldonado; Adam Cordick Professor: Riccardo Brun Del Re; Ala’ Qadi; Nasseh Khodaie Industry Partner: Cohort Systems Inc.
Culinary Federation Ottawa Rebrand
2nd Place Winning Project
This project covers the rebranding of the Culinary Federation’s Ottawa chapter. It includes the design of a new website and logo, as well as the creation of brand guidelines, which illustrate dos and don’ts when using the CF Ottawa brand.
Presenters: Delphine Sullivan; Diandra Thompson; Matthew Ryan Professor: Jed Looker Industry Partner: Culinary Federation Ottawa
POMMe-Health
3rd Place Winning Project
POMMe-Health is an app designed to improve patient care by facilitating collaboration between healthcare professionals using one common language.
Presenters: Daniel Katz; Valeriia Zaporozhets; Erika Agana; Ayaka Matsubrara; Nicholas Teng; Melany Pelletier-Vaillant; Krystyna MacLeod; Matthieu Beaudry Professor: Jed Looker Industry Partner: POMMe-Health
The Office of Applied Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship is seeking volunteer judges for the applied research showcase competition on Tuesday, December 4th, 2018.
Every year, student teams work on applied projects in which they apply knowledge and skills acquired through their field of study. This summer there are nearly 80 projects underway, and they will be on display at the applied research showcase: “RE/ACTION” on Tuesday, December 4th, 2018. Research projects fall into a number of categories:
Science, Engineering and Construction;
Arts, Design, Business and Management; and
Information Technologies, Mobile and Web Design.
Judges evaluate selected student team’s results, based on novelty/creativity, technical competence, impact, the strength of client-team interactions and communication and presentation skills.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and industry leaders to network with Algonquin’s capable and motivated academic community of students and faculty.
Those interested in participating as judges, or who have more questions about this opportunity, can contact:
Danielle Evong
Office of Applied Research and Innovation, Algonquin College evongd@algonquincollege.com
613-727-4723 ext. 5213
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