MASI is Western Canada’s centre of excellence in marine, aerospace, subsea and naval systems, anchored at the University of British Columbia. MASI is establishing Canada’s first Pacific–Arctic hub for world‑leading research, innovation and training that supports national sovereignty, security and sustainable blue‑economy growth.
Building aircraft, submarines and maritime platforms is a design challenge – but equally importantly, this is a manufacturing challenge. Even the most innovative engineering concepts remain theoretical without the industrial capacity to produce them at speed, at scale and within cost. As Canada ramps up investment in defence and sovereign industrial capability, the ability to translate innovation from the laboratory to the production line has become a national strategic priority.
Dr. Anoush Poursartip is at the forefront of this work. A Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering at UBC, he has nearly four decades of experience in the digital manufacturing of advanced composite structures, primarily for the aerospace sector. His research spans the full arc from fundamental science to industrial applications. Through his leadership of the Composites Research Network and the Composites Knowledge Network he has helped build the capacity of Canada’s manufacturing sector.
We talked with Dr. Poursartip about how advanced manufacturing is essential to Canada’s capabilities in the aerospace, marine and subsea industries.
How does your research fit into this?
Whether in aerospace, land, marine or subsea applications, weight and performance are critical. Advanced composite materials are prime example of achieving high performance at low weight, and they lend themselves to the complex shapes required in applications in these sectors.
My work focuses on designing the manufacturing process itself so that you can produce composite parts quickly, reliably and at scale. Today, this includes using AI and machine learning to accelerate the creation and use of a physics-based description of the manufacturing workflow – often called a digital twin. With that foundation in place, a new production line or facility can be launched more efficiently because you have optimized the processes before installing physical equipment.
Advances in AI and machine learning have created a new generation of modelling tools.
Automation has improved dramatically and it is now possible to handle larger and more complex problems. University-based researchers are well-positioned to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Why did you want to get involved with MASI?
Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada needs to “build, partner and buy”. That’s what gives Canada sovereign capability, not just in defence but across the board. MASI is UBC’s pivot to respond to this ambition and support Canada’s success.
UBC brings both individual and collective competencies to this work. MASI is one way that we are organizing those existing capabilities into a coordinated response to existing and emerging opportunities. UBC also has great breadth and great depth, making us an outstanding partner.
Read more about how the CRN helps companies turn ideas into manufacturing processes by solving challenges in design and fabrication; improving capabilities in manufacturing, maintenance and repair; and providing end-to-end support from research to engineering implementation.
