Student names (alphabetical order): Eli Dannenbaum, Bryan Hay, Kidus Shimeles, François Thomas

Supervisor: Gita Ghiasi

Course: ENGR-392-2202-EE

Abstract

The research and development of mobile robots has the potential to minimize the negative effect the COVID-19 is having on Canada's society due to its applications in the medical and manufacturing industry. The focus of this study is on the research and development of mobile robots in Canada during the years 2013-2020. It will identify the main actors contributing to the research and development of mobile robots. The study will then examine the relationship between this research and development and the effects it has on the Canadian society focusing on employment, wages, and the COVID-19 economic impact. The research for the actors and the relationship to the Canadian society were done with keyword, publication, patent, company, and socio-economical analysis. These analyses were done using the Compedex thesaurus, Inspec thesaurus, VOS-Viewer, Engineering Village, Inspec Analytics, WIPO, and Statistics Canada. Through analysis we found that China is the leader when it comes to publications in the field of mobile robots, and though Canada is not a top contributor it still plays its role in research. Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada is the largest funder of Canadian research into mobile robots. The top three inventive companies submitting patents in Canada are all companies who manufacture vehicles. We also found that the gender gap in employment is not as significant as is the gender wage gap. As with most industries during the COVID-19 Pandemic mobile robots also felt the economic impact. In all, while some implementation may still be needed to ensure gender equality in the field, this study shows the possibility for mobile robots to make a positive impact on society.

Presentation

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