A new Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being created at the Université de Moncton in partnership with NB Power.
More than $1.7 million in combined funding has been announced from ACOA, NB Power, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation and from Mitacs, a non-profit research organization.
“Our establishment is taking on more and more the role of leader in artificial intelligence, and we’re delighted to be able to use our expertise in the field to improve public utilities,” noted Denis Prud’homme, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Université de Moncton.
“As long-time supporters of Canada’s AI ecosystem, we believe that bringing together industry, academia, and government is crucial to drive innovation, stimulating prosperity and economic growth,” said John Hepburn, Mitacs CEO and Scientific Director.
The goal will be to help NB Power reduce costs, improve reliability and workforce safety.
One of the first projects will allow the Crown utility to enhance its inspection and maintenance programs.
Researchers will build a system to capture data and provide insights about NB Power assets such as poles, transformers and tree growth near power lines.
NB Power says this approach will help identify and remedy maintenance issues before a failure.
“Our collaboration will also provide university students the opportunity to develop new technologies that can greatly benefit the energy sector and position NB Power as an employer of choice for those interested in advanced technology,” said NB Power CEO and President Keith Cronkhite.
