At Humber's Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI), a new mobile Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Assembly System is giving students hands-on experience in a rapidly growing industry, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to work with the technologies that are shaping the future of automotive manufacturing.
The new system was made possible through a donation from the RBC Foundation and showcased on October 15, 2026, at the Barrett CTI. Designed specifically to replicate real-world EV battery assembly, students work with two KUKA industrial robots as they move components from storage onto a shuttle. A magnetic planar table transports the shuttle through simulated battery-production stations, where technologies such as 2D and 3D vision systems, robotic grippers and tool changers demonstrate how modern manufacturing comes together. The robots ultimately complete the simulated battery module and return it to storage.
"This system represents much more than new equipment. It creates exciting opportunities to prepare our students for careers in the rapidly growing clean energy, electric vehicle, and advanced manufacturing sectors," said Neal Mohammed, director, Barrett CTI. "Our vision is to build on this foundation by integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and condition monitoring. These advancements will strengthen our training capabilities, support innovation, and help our industry partners develop the skilled workforce they need to remain competitive."
The greatest advantage for students is the opportunity to learn across disciplines. The Battery Assembly System brings together robotics, automation, electronics, programming, mechanical engineering, systems integration and quality control into one working environment. Rather than learning individual technologies in isolation, students we will be focusing on the system as part of the curriculum for Humber's Mechatronics degree program and Electromechanical Engineering Technology program and develop the problem-solving skills needed to understand how an entire automated system works, and how to troubleshoot it when something goes wrong. That multidisciplinary approach is already making an impact.
Humber students, such as Tete Soto, saw the Battery Assembly System in action by working alongside Barrett CTI technologists. In their third year of Humber's Electromechanical Engineering Technology program, Soto is excited that the Battery Assembly System is being integrated into their learning: "Now we have an idea of how it all comes together. [The Battery Assembly System] is lighting the way for students to learn how to make fully functioning robotic systems."
As the system is larger than any capstone project, the learning opportunity will train students to be better prepared for jobs in various engineering fields. Humber students have also been trained to lead STEAM workshops, introducing visiting middle and high school students to the technologies found in the Battery Assembly System. More than 1,200 middle and high school students have encountered the system through tours of the Barrett CTI.
RBC Foundation's support of the Battery Assembly System also allows Humber to connect directly with industry. Organizations such as KUKA Robotics, Rockwell Automation, SICK Sensor Intelligence, DMG Mori, Javelin, Pilz, B&R and Weidmuller have contributed their technology, expertise or support and approximately 56 industry and government visitors have already seen the Battery Assembly System during its build phase.
The Battery Assembly System is mobile, ensuring its impact can extend beyond the classrooms at Humber. It can be brought into high-traffic spaces for demonstrations, workshops and tours, making advanced EV manufacturing available and accessible. Recently, the Battery Assembly System was showcased at the PAC Global Disruptors Summit in June 2026.
"RBC Foundation is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability and is proud to support Humber's Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation with an $800,000 contribution," says Chris Misch, regional vice-president, Toronto Downtown, RBC. "This funding will help advance the mobile Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Assembly System, a transformative initiative that equips students with hands-on skills in automation, robotics, and clean-energy technologies."
"Aligned with RBC's sustainability goals and Humber's leadership in applied learning, the collaboration will help to strengthen Ontario's position in the green economy while empowering the next generation of innovators. Together, we are helping build ecosystems where education, industry, and communities thrive, supporting the progress towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all."
