Engineering Advancements in Canada

Canadian engineers have had a long history of making astounding advancements in the field of engineering. There have been many engineering developments that have improved the quality of life of people around the world and have led to important discoveries. Listed below are just a few of the major engineering advancements in Canada.

The Electron Microscope: In April of 1938, two graduate students and their supervisor, Department Chairman, Professor E.F. Burton from the Physics Department of the University, built the first transmission magnetic electron microscope. Researchers were eventually able to see into inner space and learn important and valuable information about the universe. Research in mathematics has assisted in this as well.

The Pacemaker: At the Banting and Best Institute Laboratory in Toronto, Dr. John Hopps, an electrical engineer and National Research Council researcher, along with two physicians, Dr. William Bigelow and Dr. John Callaghan, developed the ability to cause the heart to beat, which included the ability to decrease the heart rate. They did this by applying an electrical pulse. What emerged from this remarkable development was the creation of the first pacemaker in 1950. In 1957, the first small pacemaker was implanted into a man from Sweden. The origins of this remarkable medical device came from brilliant Canadian engineers and physicians and have saved millions of lives all over the world.

FP-6000 Computer: One of the first computers that used an operating system and performed a variety of functions was developed in Canada. The FP-6000 computer was developed in 1961. When designers from Toronto’s Ferranti-Packard Company assisted with moving computers from university laboratories into office buildings, it was the FP-6000 computer that was used.

The Ballard Fuel Cell: Another remarkable Canadian engineer development, the Ballard Fuel Cell, can use different types of fuels such as gasoline, hydrogen, natural gas, and methanol. Fuel cells have enough power to run a vehicle. The only by-products from the fuel cell’s electrochemical reaction are water vapor and heat. As well, these cells run continuously as long as they have fuel.

The Canadarm: One of Canada’s most renowned engineering accomplishments, the Canadarm, is able to capture a free-flying payload in an environment where there is no gravity. The Canadarm has never failed and has been used to help build the international space station, break ice off the fuselage of the Orbiter, and assist in the repair of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Compact Discs (CDs): Canadian engineers have made a significant contribution to the music industry. Canada makes the compact discs that are used by about 90% of all recorded North American music, video, and software.

The Alouette Satellite: In September 1962, the Canadian made Alouette Satellite was the first satellite launched into space making it the first launched satellite to be built by a country other than the USSR and the US.

Radio Broadcasting: On Christmas Eve, in 1906, Canadian, Reginald Fessenden, made an important historical achievement by making the world’s first radio broadcast using his invention called the radio telephony.

The above engineering advancements are just a few of the many Canadian accomplishments in the field of engineering. For years, engineering developments have impacted the field of science, medicine, technology, and much more. The outlook looks promising for Canadian engineers and their future engineering achievements.

The number of developments in the field of engineering Canada is truly remarkable. Many of these advancements are made possible from the analytical reasoning and mathematics research that has been done in the past.