Engineered Technologies Applied Research
Smart design for a better tomorrow
From advanced manufacturing to smart sensor integration, our Engineered Technologies Applied Research (ETAR) team helps partners solve complex technical challenges and prepares students to thrive in high-demand sectors. Based at Ivany Campus, this group of researchers and students applies their expertise in industrial engineering, automation, IoT, rapid prototyping and digital twinning to real-world problems that matter to Nova Scotia’s economy and environment.
Whether optimizing a plant layout using 3D modelling or building custom sensor systems for remote data collection, the lab works closely to develop innovative products, improve processes and explore new technologies.
One standout example from the past year is the integration of a water quality sensor, developed by Hexsor Scientific Canada, into a solar-powered Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) known as the ‘Blue Boat.’ A multidisciplinary group of students worked on this for their capstone project, designing and building the sensor mount, solar panel system, long-range data transmission unit and battery pack.
The Blue Boat will begin field testing this summer in lakes selected by the Shubenacadie Watershed Environmental Protection Society to support ongoing freshwater quality monitoring. The ETAR team is moving to the next stage of development, which includes upgrading the electronics, integrating AI-powered software and assembling the system on a buoy for deployment. Controlled tests in one of NSCC’s lab tanks will help ensure the system is ready for the upcoming lake trials.
This project reflects ETAR’s core mission: using engineering innovation to support community needs, while training the next generation of problem-solvers.
“It was great to see students from mechanical, electronics and environmental engineering come together on something that’s both technically ambitious and environmentally meaningful,” says Etienne Mfoumou, Research Scientist. “We’re not just building prototypes; we’re building solutions that can be used across the province.”
From concept to implementation, the ETAR team gives students the chance to innovate in the lab and make an impact in the real world.
“Our collaborative efforts in addressing blue-green algae in Nova Scotia’s freshwater ecosystems have been both challenging and rewarding. The comprehensive water sampling and analysis conducted alongside NSCC and the Shubenacadie Watershed Environmental Protection Society have been pivotal in advancing our understanding and solutions for this pressing issue. Their unwavering support is invaluable to us as we strive to make significant contributions to environmental protection and technological advancement. We look forward to many more successful collaborations and breakthroughs together.”
- Jeyan Sreekumar, CEO of Hexsor
