ATS Corporation is pleased to share that its Industrial Automation business received the prestigious Innovation Award at the 2022 OCNI Annual General Meeting & Supplier Excellence Awards. The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) recognized ATS Industrial Automation for developing groundbreaking technology to fully automate the installation and inspection of Calandria Tubes in collaboration with Bruce Power in support of its CANDU nuclear refurbishment project. This new class of automation technology developed by ATS Industrial Automation delivers significant critical path savings while reducing worker radiation exposure.
“Ontario is a global hub of excellence in nuclear innovation, and the technology developed by ATS Industrial Automation and Bruce Power is a prime example of that innovation at work,” said Hon. Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “The refurbishment of Ontario’s nuclear fleet will provide a reliable supply of clean energy, foster innovation, and create economic prosperity for the province.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by the OCNI for our continued work with Bruce Power to develop automated approaches for calandria tube installation and inspection that extend the safe operations of nuclear plants as a critical energy source,” said Udo Panenka, President of ATS Industrial Automation. “This first-of-its-kind project is designed to replace manual and repetitive processes with robust automation that improves worker safety and supports the completion of refurbishment projects on time and budget. And it is another great example of ATS together with its customers driving breakthrough innovation within the Nuclear industry.”
The ATS Industrial Automation and Bruce Power team’s approach to the automated Calandria Tube inspection and installation relies on ATS Industrial Automation’s innovative delivery system and an industrial robot developed by ATS Industrial Automation to significantly reduce schedule, improve safety and quality, reduce human error, and improve overall performance. In addition to advanced automation, the team utilized digital technologies to accelerate the design and testing of the system. This allowed the team to establish the right optimization of critical path steps.
“The automation technology developed by ATS Industrial Automation is one example of industry-leading innovation in Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program, which will enable a clean-energy future for the province,” said Eric Chassard, Executive Vice President of Projects and Engineering at Bruce Power. “Combining innovative new technology with proven best-practices and industry expertise will enable improved performance and efficiency while maintaining the highest standard in safety in our refurbishment program.”
The OCNI Innovation Award recognizes and celebrates innovation in the Canadian nuclear supply chain.
About ATS Corporation
ATS Corporation is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world’s most successful companies. ATS uses its extensive knowledge base and global capabilities in custom automation, repeat automation, automation products and value-added services including pre-automation and after-sales services, to address the sophisticated manufacturing automation systems and service needs of multinational customers in markets such as life sciences, food & beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy. Founded in 1978, ATS employs over 6,000 people at more than 50 manufacturing facilities and over 75 offices in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and China. The Company’s common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ATS. Visit the Company’s website at www.atsautomation.com.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and life-saving medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
