Alstom and three universities advance intelligent rail manufacturing
Alstom is partnering with Université Laval, UQAM, and ÉTS to enhance the use of artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 technologies in rail manufacturing in Quebec.
Rail manufacturer Alstom announced on September 17, 2026, a research collaboration with Université Laval, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). The partnership aims to advance the application of artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 technologies in rail design and manufacturing within Canada.
The research program will focus on developing intelligent technologies to improve manufacturing process efficiency. Key areas include welding procedures, augmented reality assistance for welders and assemblers, robotic welding cell scheduling, and the use of AI in designing rail car bodies. The goal is to better leverage factory-generated data and support expert teams in their daily activities.
The initiative will also contribute to training 11 highly qualified individuals. Technologies developed at Université Laval's Lab-Usine will be tested at Alstom's La Pocatière facility in Quebec. These advancements could support the company's recent major manufacturing contract wins in Canada, including projects for Via Rail, the Toronto Transit Commission, and the Quebec City tramway.
Alstom stated that university-industry partnerships are crucial for accelerating innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in the current industrial era. The Quebec universities will also receive financial support for the program from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the research organization MITACS.