Rafiq Ahmad

Dr. Rafiq Ahmad (PhD, P.Eng) is an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. He directs the Smart & Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Laboratory (SMART LAB) and the Aquaponics 4.0 Learning Factory (AllFactory). His work bridges fundamental research in design and manufacturing with advanced industrial applications.

• Education: PhD & MSc from French institutions (Ecole Centrale de Nantes and Ecole Arts et Metiers Paris), Postdoc at University of Luxembourg
• Research: Focuses on Smart Manufacturing (zero-defect production), Green Technologies (3R systems), Industrial Robotics (autonomous systems), and Sustainable Production (Aquaponics 4.0).

The 15 most recent publications (2025) explore digital twins, robotics for extreme environments, hybrid manufacturing optimization, and sustainable food production. Articles span additive manufacturing, topology optimization, and AI-driven automation.

• Scientific Awards: 2023 ASTech Award for Digital Innovation; 2022 Edify Top 40 Under 40; multiple NSERC, Mitacs, and Alberta Innovates grants.
• Teaching: Offers courses in Manufacturing Systems, Lean Manufacturing, and Mechanical Measurements.
• Labs: SMART Lab (founded 2016) specializes in hybrid manufacturing and robotics; AllFactory focuses on sustainable aquaponics systems.