SOTI creates aerospace unit in alliance with Ryerson University

Mobility and IoT management solutions provider SOTI has launched its new SOTI Aerospace division in partnership with Ryerson University.

The division will work with researchers, scientists, engineers and academia across the world for advanced aerial drone and robotics research.

With a $20m initial investment, the division will focus on vision systems for indoor environments, including self-learning, situational understanding, automatic location of people and objects, self-navigation, and smart avoidance.

The company will initially focus on the medical sector and search-and-rescue operations.

SOTI president and CEO Carl Rodrigues said: “SOTI Aerospace represents an exciting new era for the company and continues our commitment to invest in Canada’s technology ecosystem and work with the best and brightest minds around the world in aerial technology.

“Ryerson University is an ideal collaborator. Together, we aim to nurture talent and entrepreneurship, and ultimately leverage technology for good. We look forward to working together to develop aerospace innovations that enhance student education while also bringing new technology to market.”

In addition to the new division, SOTI announced a multi-year collaboration with Ryerson University.

Under this collaboration, researchers at Ryerson will work alongside SOTI’s employees for research and development of aerial drone technology.

The partnership will offer new opportunities for students to work on projects through learning experiences, internships and scholarships.

Ryerson University president and vice-chancellor Mohamed Lachemi said: “Ryerson University is pleased to join with SOTI to advance innovative aerospace research and technology in Canada.

“This collaboration unites leading aerospace researchers and industry experts to accelerate the development of aerial drone research through dedicated funding.”