Providing innovative solutions to industry challenges in the electromechanical engineering and textile, apparel design and manufacturing sectors

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The ARTP activities at George Brown College (GBC) will be carried out by the GBC Product Development Exchange (PDx), delivering innovative solutions in electromechanical hardware product and process innovation, and Fashion Exchange (FX), solving textile and apparel challenges with product and process innovation. These research areas are in high demand in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), demonstrated by extensive market research and keen interest from our partners who were consulted to identify the proposed ARTP research themes based on feasibility, partner engagement and business impact.The electromechanical engineering and textile, apparel design and manufacturing (TADM) sectors have been disrupted by globalization, digitization, new technologies and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic; in addition, the TADM sector struggles with textile pollution and companies reshoring production to mitigate supply chain risks, quality and sustainability issues, long lead times and overproduction. In 2020, 29.4% of Canadian manufacturers laid off 80% of their staff due to COVID-19 and industry profit collapsed by up to 93%. Although SMEs from both sectors are eager to embrace new technologies and adapt to new sustainability standards, capacity to do this is out of reach for most due to lack of expertise and equipment. In a post-COVID-19 global market, GTA electromechanical manufacturing firms are challenged to 1) design and develop innovative new products that respond to changing consumer attitudes and new public safety requirements, and 2) embrace process improvement, including the adoption and adaptation of technologies, and new product development workflows to support remote working and physical separation. Textile and apparel firms continue to face the acute need to 1) enhance functionality in textile technology, garment features, construction, and design to reduce textile pollution, and 2) create innovative clothing adaptations for persons with disabilities, dressing challenges, unique functionality needs, or new non-stigmatizing designs that provide independence and comfort.The ARTP research program will allow GBC's PDx and FX to support local businesses in addressing these challenges. The program will be carried out under two themes: 1. Product and process innovation in electromechanical hardware, and 2. Product and process innovation in textile and apparel. Each theme will contain two sub-themes and four projects, as detailed in the proposal document.