A decade of collaboration: How Sheridan is helping SONAMI shape the future of manufacturing in Ontario

As the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI) marks its 10-year anniversary, Generator at Sheridan is taking a moment to reflect on a decade of partnership and impact within the province-wide effort to strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing sector. As a founding member since the network’s launch in 2016, Sheridan has played a consistent and meaningful role in advancing SONAMI’s mission: helping small- and medium-sized manufacturers solve real-world challenges through applied research, technology development and industry-academic collaboration.

Led by Niagara College, SONAMI brings together a network of post-secondary institutions and their research centres to deliver practical, high-impact applied research solutions — from process optimization and prototype development to technology evaluation and product commercialization. At Sheridan, this work is driven through Generator at Sheridan’s Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing (CIM), where interdisciplinary teams of researchers, faculty and students collaborate to tackle complex real-world manufacturing challenges faced by external partners.

“Being part of SONAMI over the past decade has allowed us to directly support manufacturers in overcoming barriers to innovation,” said Generator at Sheridan’s Director of Research and Innovation, Dr. Carolyn Moorlag (pictured above with CIM Research Manager Dr. Ethan Shen.) “The funding we have been able to access through SONAMI has allowed us to drive applied research across sectors and enabled Sheridan to better support our partners in adopting new technologies, enhancing productivity and contributing to a more competitive, resilient economy.”

With expertise and equipment to support applied research in additive manufacturing, simulation and modelling, digital fabrication, automation, design and electronics, the impact of CIM’s SONAMI-funded projects are reflected across a range of collaborations that make processes more efficient, increase opportunities to scale and advance sustainability.

Improving sustainability, safety and scalability through automation

CIM’s recent collaboration with Vision Coatings Ltd., a leading provider of finishing services for the fenestration industry in North America, addressed a critical production bottleneck in the fabrication of energy-efficient window frames. Faced with a slow, inconsistent, and physically demanding manual insulation process, Vision Coatings partnered with CIM to design an automated solution. The project resulted in a custom-built insulation insertion machine that significantly improves efficiency, consistency, and worker safety. Beyond operational gains, this innovation enables the scalable production of energy-efficient building materials — supporting reduced household energy waste.

With a similar focus on production automation, CIM also partnered with Mircom Group of Companies to explore the automated assembly and testing of fire prevention controllers. By leveraging advanced technologies such as smart sensors, robotics and data-driven controls, the project delivered a cost-effective, energy-efficient and worker-friendly system that supports Mircom’s ability to scale production without compromising quality. It also set a new benchmark for fire safety manufacturing — demonstrating how applied research and collaboration can advance both public safety and sustainability.

Driving clean energy technologies through prototyping and design optimization

Sheridan’s work through SONAMI also extends into clean energy innovation. In collaboration with WindEnairgy, CIM supported the development of a Dual-Axis Cascaded Airfoil Wind Turbine , a novel design engineered for improved aerodynamic performance, reduced noise and enhanced efficiency in low-wind conditions. This project demonstrates the potential of applied research to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies, particularly in off-grid and remote communities, while contributing to Canada’s broader clean growth objectives.

CIM and Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science & Technology have also worked to advance clean energy innovation by improving the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors. In partnership with Stern Laboratories, a global engineering consultant in the nuclear industry, the research team leveraged Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) to analyze heat dissipation within reactor fuel bundles. The research supports the development of safer, more energy-efficient reactor designs, contributing to a more sustainable and reliable energy future.

Leveraging robotics to improve prosthetic design

SONAMI funded research at Sheridan has also driven innovation in health technology. Through a partnership with ProsFit, CIM developed a robotic gait simulator to improve the prosthetic fitting process for lower-limb amputees. By creating a digital model capable of identifying pressure points before fabrication, the project addresses a major cause of prosthetic rejection — ultimately improving comfort, reducing trial-and-error, and enhancing quality of life for users. While rooted in finding a healthcare solution, this work reflects SONAMI’s broader commitment to leveraging advanced manufacturing tools and techniques to solve diverse, real-world problems.

3D printing and prototyping to expand non-alcoholic beverage options

Alongside distillation technology company Drystill Holdings Inc., CIM explored the growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages that don’t compromise on taste. The SONAMI-supported project developed a patented Stripper Absorption Module (SAM) unit that gently removes alcohol under low-temperature, vacuum conditions. Using digital design and 3D printing, the team created functional prototypes that marked a key step toward low-energy, low-waste SAM-based chemical separation processes with potential applications across multiple industries.

As SONAMI celebrates a decade of impact, Sheridan’s ongoing contributions underscore the value of long-term, collaborative innovation ecosystems. By connecting industry needs with academic expertise — and leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and talent — Sheridan continues to advance SONAMI’s mission, delivering tangible impact for Ontario’s manufacturing sector. From accelerating technology adoption and improving productivity to enabling more sustainable processes, these collaborations are helping businesses innovate, scale and compete in a rapidly evolving market.

Interested in learning more about how Generator at Sheridan is developing innovative solutions for today’s most pressing manufacturing challenges? Visit sheridancollege.ca/intelligent-manufacturing