Change is in the air at CRVI, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2019. Ever the groundbreaker, the renowned L\u00e9vis center is entering a new era.<\/p>\n
Passing the management torch<\/strong><\/p>\n Yves Dessureault was appointed CRVI\u2019s general manager on June 17, 2019. He succeeded Alain Bordeleau, who took a well-earned semi-retirement after 12 years in the position. Mr. Dessureault has more than 30 years of experience in innovation and research team management in the manufacturing industry and in research centers. With his broad experience, vision, and leadership, he was the ideal person to take the reins. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join a team of seasoned experts and continue developing the center, which is widely recognized as a leader in its field,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n A revamped mandate approved through 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Not surprisingly, CRVI passed the five-year evaluation by Minist\u00e8re de l\u2019\u00c9ducation et de l\u2019Enseignement sup\u00e9rieur and Minist\u00e8re de l\u2019\u00c9conomie et de l\u2019Innovation with flying colors. On August 21, 2019, the center\u2019s proposed mandate was approved for a five-year period. Developing the new strategic plan was an opportunity to redefine CRVI\u2019s mission in light of recent technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI). \u201cThe center\u2019s mission is now to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in robotics and vision to make companies more competitive,\u201d said Mr. Dessureault.<\/p>\n CRVI\u2019s research program will be geared toward AI-assisted industrial automation. \u201cThe goal over the next five years is to invest $2 million in our programs and $2.5 million in modernizing our facilities,\u201d said the general manager. \u00a0CRVI is also pursuing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and businesses in the region to address needs in three specific areas: digitization, labor, and organizational competitiveness and flexibility. The center will continue to build on its state-of-the-art facilities and welcoming work environment to help attract and retain top talent from Canada and around the world. Another strategic priority will be getting younger researchers and teaching staff to play a greater role. \u201cWe want to get more students and professors involved in our research program so they can have a greater say in the content.\u201d<\/p>\n