Workplace Challenges
Driving auto innovationIt’s the country’s largest business sector and provides some of the best-paying jobs in manufacturing. But if Canada wants to remain competitive in the automotive industry, it simply can’t rest on its laurels. That’s why AUTO21 is behind the wheel steering research and development. LINDA WHITE |
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 [ 2006-11-01 ] |
Dr. Peter Frise is scientific director and CEO of AUTO21, a national research inititaive that supports more than 230 researchers working at 40 institutions, government research facilities and private sector research labs across Caanda and around the world.
“Five years ago, the number of university researchers working on automotive problems was probably not more than 20 at five or six universities across the country,” says Dr. Peter Frise, scientific director and CEO of AUTO21.
Today, the national research initiative supports more than 230 researchers working at 40 institutions, government research facilities and private sector research labs across Canada and around the world.
Its research projects are looking at new ways of helping the Canadian labour force to be more competitive, new manufacturing processes and materials for future automobiles, new fuels and types of powertrains, and the integration of advanced electronic systems into future cars and trucks to improve safety, comfort and convenience.
It’s also examining such issues as vehicle safety for children and the elderly and the health and safety of autoworkers.
“AUTO21 breaks down the traditional silos that so often limit the impact of research projects. We work with disciplines most suitable for the projects,” Frise says.
Take health, safety and injury prevention as one example. “Auto accidents are the largest cause of death and injury for Canadians under the age of 40,” Frise says. In addition to exploring how to keep vehicle occupants safe, research projects are looking at how to improve on-the-job health and safety precautions that may help autoworkers avoid chronic injuries, such as lower back pain.
Canada builds about 2.8 million of the 62 to 65 million light motor vehicles built around the world each year. Competition is fierce and the industry changes quickly as companies form alliances and search for new ways to lower costs and bring better products to market in less time.
“Canada cannot prosper by being inexpensive. We have to be fast, agile, high quality and innovative,” Frise says. “There are only two ways to go: cheap or smart. We have to go smart.”
Undergraduate and graduate students are involved with each of the research projects, which supports AUTO21’s commitment to developing highly-qualified people for future work in the industry.
“We want to keep the best people in the country and attract people who want work that is interesting and challenging,” Frise says. “We need to support the economy and provide opportunities for young Canadians to build great careers.”
Visit www.auto21.ca to learn more.
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