C4ISR

SFU DELIVERS ADVANCED C4ISR SOLUTIONS FOR A CHANGING THREAT ENVIRONMENT

Canada faces an array of rapidly-evolving security threats from actors large and small, in a global arena marked by shifting balances and constant technological change. The faster Canada’s defence forces can make high-quality decisions informed by the very best, most current intelligence and insight possible—and communicate those decisions swiftly and securely—the more effective our forces will be in keeping Canada safe and meeting our global security commitments.

As Canada’s engaged university, Simon Fraser University integrates leading-edge research and innovative education with our portfolio of partnerships. Together, we deliver advanced C4ISR systems that can anticipate threats, develop responses, deploy resources in order to help ensure the safety of our troops and increase the capabilities of our forces.

SFU Strengths

• Turning data into actionable threat analysis: The Vancouver Institute for Visual Analytics (VIVA) is on the leading edge of visual analytics. Established through a $1.25M investment from the Boeing Co. and $0.5M from Western Economic Diversification Canada, VIVA delivers interactive visual interfaces that make vast amounts of data understandable to human analysts, so they can quickly identify trends, shifts and threats.
• Making big leaps in imaging reconnaissance: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Executive Industrial Research Chair and SFU professor of engineering science Bernhard Rabus is developing new space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar for reliable, frequent and broad-area surveillance, including tracking ships approaching Canada or monitoring critical infrastructure. Here on the ground, SFU professor of chemistry Gary Leach’s team is finding less expensive, smaller and more effective ways to track—in real-time— objects in complex dangerous environments.
• Creating the next generation of sensors: SFU professor of the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering Behraad Bahreyni is leading the development of tiny, inexpensive and ultrasensitive sensors that can detect threats and changes underwater. And SFU professor of the School of Engineering Science Michael Adachi is developing small, powerful wearable sensors for emergency medical personnel, detecting chemical and biological hazards before they can do harm.
• Increasing the capabilities of mobile robots: SFU professor of computing science Richard Vaughan’s Autonomy Lab aims to make mobile robot systems dramatically more autonomous and effective, able to take on a wider range of tasks and keep personnel out of danger. These projects range from equipping flying drones with facial recognition capability to making human-robot interactions more intuitive.
• Spotting anomalies that may signal threats: SFU professor of computing science Uwe Glässer uses intelligent systems and machine learning to recognize anomalies and detect intrusions, enabling sophisticated surveillance. His projects have analyzed massive data stores from marine traffic and wireless sensor networks, turning millions of data points into actionable insights and intelligence.

Partner with SFU

A rapidly changing, more technologically advanced world calls for creative, innovative thinking, to ensure Canada’s defences can call on comprehensive information whenever it is needed. SFU has the interdisciplinary expertise and depth of knowledge that can turn that information into insight—and a decisive advantage for mission success.

Partner with SFU to support a strong, secure and engaged Canada.