New industry partnership brings aerospace engineering to new heights

Technology firm SOTI (external link)  and Toronto Metropolitan University have announced a new partnership to develop cutting-edge aerial drone technology. As part of its new aerospace division, the Mississauga-based company has committed to investing $2.5 million in Ryerson to lead the division’s research initiatives. The investment will also fund experiential learning opportunities for students in the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) including co-ops and internships, career fairs, scholarships and awards. Over the five-year term, students will gain practical, real-world experience in areas such as autonomous aerial drones, Internet of Things, data analytics and artificial intelligence, as well as potential future career opportunities with SOTI.

The division’s research will focus on the use of autonomous drones in health-care settings, such as long-term care facilities, and the search-and-rescue sector. “This collaboration unites leading aerospace researchers and industry experts to accelerate the development of aerial drone research through dedicated funding,” said Toronto Metropolitan University President, Mohamed Lachemi, in a press release. By partnering with industry leaders like SOTI, the Department of Aerospace Engineering provides students with access to high-tech facilities and the opportunity to contribute to innovative research projects exploring emerging technologies.