Tag: research

Enhancing survey data with high-tech, long-range drones

Gathering geoscientific data for mining and energy industries through ground-level surveys can be time-consuming, costly and physically dangerous. Drones can replace traditional surveying methods, reducing labour and equipment costs and completing surveys more quickly, but they have their own limitations.

To improve the versatility and quality of typical remote-system surveying data, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) engineering alumni Robel Efrem (mechanical) and Alexandre Coutu (electrical) teamed up with Sajad Saeedi from TMU’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. In partnership with the alumni’s company, Rosor Corp., they develop near-surface, remotely piloted aircraft systems that support multi-datatype output surveying, such as geophysical and topographic, in a single pass.

(From left to right) TMU alumni Alexandre Coutu (BEng Electrical Engineering ‘20), Robel Efrem (MEng Mechanical Engineering ‘23) and professor Sajad Saeedi
(From left to right) TMU alumni Alexandre Coutu (BEng Electrical Engineering ‘20) and Robel Efrem (MEng Mechanical Engineering ‘23), co-founders of Rosor Corp., collaborate with Sajad Saeedi from TMU’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

These long-range survey drones will improve geophysical data collection using custom-designed sensor suites, improved low-altitude accuracy, longer stamina and untethered, long-range communication systems. Enhanced geophysical survey data can provide mining investors greater insights into national and global mining resources, help solve demand shortages through mineral discoveries, and support environmental monitoring and developing technologies like electric vehicles.

Funding for this project by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

Counting carbs with AI for real-time glucose monitoring

Diabetes patients have to monitor their diet’s glucose levels closely to avoid serious health complications. While some tools exist to help manage this challenging disease, one that accurately pre-evaluates diabetes patients’ meals and allows for on-the-spot portion adjustments is lacking.

To fill this industry gap and improve the lives of diabetes patients, three Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) engineering alumni connected with TMU biomedical engineering professor Naimul Khan to develop machine-learning algorithms capable of analyzing 2D food images for 3D depth in real-time. This innovation allows users to snap a photo of their meal and have the carbohydrates counted while they wait, allowing them to adjust their portions or food choices to maintain ideal glucose levels.

Headshots of TMU professor Naimuil Khan and alumni Liam Bell, Osama Muhammad and Muhammed Ashad Khan
Clockwise from top left: Biomedical engineering professor Naimul Khan and alumni Liam Bell (biomedical), Osama Muhammad (mechanical), and Muhammed Ashad Khan (electrical) worked together through Mitacs to improve glucose self-monitoring

Alumni Liam Bell (biomedical), Osama Muhammad (mechanical) and Muhammed Ashad Khan (electrical) are using these algorithms to further develop their smartphone app and accompanying wearable device, Glucose Vision. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce future health issues and the cost burden of diabetes on the Canadian health care system.

Funding for this project provided by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

Smart wearables that measure sweat provide continuous glucose monitoring

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) researchers Reza Eslami and Hadis Zarrin have developed non-invasive sensors powered by movement that can determine the blood sugar levels of diabetes patients from their sweat. The researchers aim to revolutionize diabetes management by creating a user-friendly, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that integrates these sensors into clothing and accessories, allowing diabetes patients to self-monitor their glucose levels 24/7.

Self-powered CGM smart wearables could significantly improve diabetes patients’ quality of life by enabling them to regulate their overall blood sugar level and meet glucose targets consistently. In addition, CGMs could play an essential role in predicting the risk of diabetes development before onset.

Chemical engineering PhD candidate Reza Eslami (left) and chemical engineering professor Hadis Zarrin
Chemical engineering PhD candidate Reza Eslami (left) and chemical engineering professor Hadis Zarrin collaborate to develop a user-friendly, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system

Zarrin, the principal investigator at TMU-based Nanoengineering Laboratory for Energy and Environmental Technologies (NLEET) and a chemical engineering professor, collaborates with Eslami, a chemical engineering PhD candidate and his start-up, Sensofine, to make this technology widely available. They use machine learning and input from fashion designers to develop smart wearables made of high-performing materials and consider various factors in their design, including accessibility, culture, gender and age.

Funding for this project provided by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

Lowering carbon emissions by optimizing energy retrofits

Through construction and operational activities, buildings are one of Canada’s highest greenhouse gas contributors. Deep energy retrofits, especially those that focus on reducing the use of fossil fuels, could lower buildings’ carbon emissions substantially. As more government agencies recognize the importance of energy-efficient retrofitting, research that leads to optimal building performance and decreased environmental impact is essential.

To assess and identify the best retrofit practices for residential buildings regarding carbon emissions, Toronto Metropolitan Univerisity’s (TMU) Department of Architectural Science chair and professor Mark Gorgolewski and TMU graduate student ​​Fatma Osman partnered with Michael Singleton, executive director of Sustainable Buildings Canada (SBC). Their research examines commonly used retrofit strategies in Ontario using building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify low-carbon material selections and optimal retrofit approaches.

This research benefits the construction industry by providing designers with academic insights into low-carbon strategies to help in project planning and design. It will also allow SBC and other organizations to support the development of appropriate policies and procedures that result in low-carbon built environments.

Funding for this project by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.