Integrated Mobile Digital Platform for Aircraft Maintenance, Tools Development and Integration

Funder: NSERC
Program: ARD
PI Name: Mihai Albu
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology
Research Area(s): Systems Integration

Through a collaborative partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – Regional Jet (MHIRJ) Aviation Group (formerly Bombardier Inc. Regional Jet), Humber College will provide applied research and development activities to design and develop innovative new tools and technologies in support of maintenance, repair, and operations for the aircraft industry. The proposed project is focused on addressing the evolving challenges faced by the Canadian aircraft industry in an increasingly connected digital environment that has led to a 60- fold increase in the number of data parameters collected from every flight. Project objectives are the creation of a mobile app for an integrated digital platform that functions offline – allowing aircraft technicians to access a mobile digital platform on their iPads or tablets and/or in conditions where WIFI access is limited or unavailable. Through the innovative development of an image-based mobile app, deliverables from this project will include new digital tools and software capable of analyzing multiple streams of data and information, and offline access to the technical manuals and support required by aircraft technicians. This offline data analytics capacity on a mobile platform will in turn support enhanced productivity by streamlining maintenance, and subsequently provide quicker turnaround times for aircraft repairs, and increase passenger and pilot safety. Project completion will allow MHIRJ to better serve its clients, scale its operational model into that of a service-based organization, draw in new customers, and position itself as an innovative leader in the development and adoption of ground-breaking aviation industry solutions.