The relationship between science, technology and society during the Covid-19 pandemic
The case of Manipulators in Canada
Student names (alphabetical order): Rhea Abboud, Stefany Nagil Chediak, Bruce Say, Lucas Silva, Kelly Vuong
Supervisor: Gita Ghiasi
Course: ENGR-392-2204-RR
Abstract
This study thoroughly analyzes the scientific and inventive development of manipulators in Canada throughout 2015 to 2020. The purpose of this study is to determine the impacts of manipulators on Canadians with regards to employment, the Canadian economy, inequality, and Covid-19. The development of manipulators will be analyzed using the techno-economic network, which identifies the contributions of each actor, as well as their role. This study was performed using databases such as Inspec Analytics, Compendex, Patentscope, and StatCan to determine relevant topics, primary contributors, information on relevant patents, and statistics regarding manipulators and Canadian society. The findings show that Chinese institutions are the largest contributors to the development of manipulators. The primary funding sponsor for Canadian publications about manipulators are Canadian (NSERC), followed by 2 Chinese sponsors (National Natural Science Foundation of China & China Scholarship Council). The most inventive companies that filed patents in Canada were The Boeing Company and Softbank Robotics Europe. It was determined that there was an employment gap among both genders, as well as a wage gap, and both were favouring men. Additionally, Covid-19 had a tremendous negative impact on business related to manipulators.