The PACE  Lab established by General Motors (GM) and PACE Partners Autodesk, HP, Oracle and Siemens PLM Software at McMaster University is giving engineering and technology students a global edge as they prepare for careers in the international world of automotive design and engineering.

Matt Crossley, director of Canadian engineering at GM Canada, and Patrick Deane, president and vice-chancellor at McMaster University, opened the PACE (Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education) Lab at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the university this morning.  Also participating were representatives from Autodesk, HP, Oracle and Siemens PLM Software.

“We want our engineering and technology students equipped to thrive in the automotive industry of the future,” said Patrick Deane. “That industry is one that is global in scope and collaborative in nature. PACE provides our students with the chance to work with their peers from around the world and gives them exposure to tomorrow’s technologies.”

PACE has made an in-kind contribution of state-of-the-art computer-based hardware, such as 3D navigation devices and engineering workstations, and engineering software used by automakers around the globe for product planning, engineering, analysis, and data management. The university also receives technical and educational materials for student and instructor training, and academic support.

Sixty-seven computer workstations have been installed in two locations at the university, one in the new Engineering Technology Building and the other in the John Hodgins Engineering Building. The workstations are used by students in both the Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology programs. PACE software on the computers includes Siemens PLM Software NX and Teamcenter; and Autodesk Alias Design, Maya, and Sketchbook Pro.

A student team demonstrated their work for the PACE Next Generation Sustainable Urban Transport (SUT) project. The students are collaborating with their peers at the University of Cincinnati to develop a near-pollution-free vehicle propelled by compressed air. McMaster is developing the propulsion system. Cincinnati is developing the frame and chassis. The project will be presented at the 2011 PACE Global Annual Forum this July in Vancouver.

www.pacepartners.org