About us

The flagship event organizers

The Industrial Robotics Bootcamp is organized by the AbAMI Hub and SMART Lab, both at the University of Alberta.

AbAMI Hub

Alberta Advanced Manufacturing International Hub

An international ecosystem for addressing grand challenges in Alberta’s manufacturing sector.

Staying competitive in advanced manufacturing takes more than good equipment. It takes the right people, the right facilities, and the right connections. That’s what the Alberta Advanced Manufacturing International Hub (AbAMI Hub) delivers.

The Hub brings together Alberta’s top research and innovation providers, industry leaders, and international partners in one network. Whether a company is adopting new technology, solving a production challenge, or building something entirely new, the Hub connects it with the expertise and resources to make it happen.

Visit abamihub.com

Led by: University of Alberta
In partnership with: InnoTech Alberta
Funded by: Alberta Innovates
Focus: Research · Technology deployment · Workforce development

Target sectors

Energy
Mining
Construction & infrastructure
Security, defence & aerospace
AgTech

Across every sector, the Hub embeds AI-enabled controls, distributed sensing and autonomous manufacturing systems, so solutions developed in one industry can be adapted for others.

AbAMI Hub leadership

Who to contact to learn more. For general inquiries, email abamihub@ualberta.ca.

Dr. Rafiq Ahmad, PEng

Executive Director, AbAMI Hub

Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta · rafiq.ahmad@ualberta.ca

Dr. Ahmad founded and leads SMART Lab, the bootcamp’s host lab, and represents the University of Alberta on the conference organizing committee.

An educator, innovator and distinguished researcher, he also founded the Agile Learning Factory and is the University of Alberta Engineering Research Chair in Smart Manufacturing and Industrialized Robotics, advancing human-centered innovation, education and leadership development. Drawing on his experience across academia, industry and global collaborations, he developed the 10P Leadership Cycle to help individuals turn purpose into meaningful action and lasting impact. His work on sustainable technologies has received recognition from NASA, alongside the ASTech Award and Edify’s Top 40 Under 40 recognition.

Diana Ly, MBA

Operations Director, AbAMI Hub

University of Alberta · dvly@ualberta.ca

Diana leads the strategic, partnership and operational work of the AbAMI Hub, with more than 15 years in strategy, economic development and partnership management.

She connects industry, government and post-secondary institutions, and makes sure the Hub’s research, technology deployment and workforce programs deliver measurable impact.

Benefits for partners

Partners gain hands-on access to research facilities and equipment at the University of Alberta, other Alberta institutions, InnoTech Alberta and the National Research Council in Edmonton.

Equipment

Access to specialized manufacturing facilities, materials, and equipment.

Expertise

Work with leading researchers, industry experts, and international partners.

Prototyping & training

Develop and test prototypes, trial equipment, and train staff to adopt new technologies.

Global partnerships

SMART Lab

Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Laboratory

SMART Lab, at the University of Alberta, is a research group that designs and develops Sustainable and Smart Systems/Technologies to enable the Digital Transformation of industries and society.

Visit the SMART Lab website

Bootcamp role: Host lab and main organizer of the event
Lab lead: Dr. Rafiq Ahmad
Institution / unit: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta
Core capabilities: Industrial roboticsCobotsAMRs/AGVsAI/visionDigital twinsSensing
Facilities & equipment: KUKA robot, ABB robot, Dobot robots and more

Mission and vision

Mission

To design and engineer intelligent, autonomous, and sustainable systems that transform how we manufacture, build, and produce, bridging fundamental research with real-world impact.

Vision

A future where intelligent and sustainable technologies enable industry and society to produce more efficiently, responsibly, and resiliently.