Robotic Companies in Quebec

We met with many people in recent months. Here’s a list of the movers and shakers in Quebec robotics.

1. Research

1.1 Universities

Several world-class laboratories. Click on the links to see their research work.

• Laval University robotics laboratory
• École Polytechnique de Montréal robotics laboratory
• ÉTS robotics and command laboratory
• McGill Centre for Intelligent Machines
• University of Sherbrooke IntRoLab Intelligent / Interactive / Integrated / Interdisciplinary Robot Lab

1.2 Research and Technological Transfer Centres

Help companies with projects that are too risky for systems integrators.

• Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ)
• Centre de robotique et de vision artificielle (CRVI)
• Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre (CTFA)
  R&D for advanced robotics solutions for the Canadian aerospace industry.
• Hydro-Québec’s Research Institute
  With the possible exception of the Space Agency, this is the most impressive robotics facility in Québec. It is home to many highly complex projects for inspecting and repairing Hydro-Québec’s installations, resulting in millions of dollars in savings every year and preventing the interruption of services.
• Canadian Space Agency
  Users of Dextre and the famous Canadarm. Recently received an extra budget allotment of $100 M exclusively for robotics. This is a significant amount as the entire Agency’s budget has been $300 M a year for the past few years.

2 Companies

2.1 Systems Integrators

Here are a few that I met at the 2008 Automation Rendez-Vous. For a more extensive list, visit the Regroupement des équipementiers en automatisation industrielle.

• Axium
• AGT
• IMAC inc.
• Claret Canada

Vision integrators associated with solutions integrators for turnkey solutions.

• Orus
• AV&R

2.2 Manufacturers

All top manufacturers of industrial robots have representatives in Quebec.

• ABB
• Fanuc
• Motoman
• Kuka

Other manufacturers of peripherals or software are based in Quebec.

• ServoRobot
  ServoRobot manufactures production tools for optimizing robotized welding operations
• Jabez Technologies
  CAD robot programming software
• Robotiq
  Startup where I am working, manufacturer of robot components
• Collineo
  Manufacturer of mobile platforms
• Robomotio
  Despite a number of interesting products, some contracts and a solid researcher base, the company seems to have ceased operations.

Who else is missing?