Dr. Rafiq Ahmad

Dr. Rafiq Ahmad is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the University of Alberta Engineering Research Chair in Smart Manufacturing and Industrialized Robotics. A distinguished innovator, entrepreneur, and thought leader in smart systems and sustainable technologies, he is dedicated to transforming industries and enhancing societal well-being through cutting-edge research and innovation. At the University of Alberta, Dr. Ahmad is the Founder and Director of the Smart & Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Laboratory (SMART Lab), a leading research hub advancing smart manufacturing, industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable production systems. He also founded the Agile Learning Factory (AllFactory), an innovative platform focused on experiential learning and sustainable production in controlled environments.
Beyond academia, Dr. Ahmad is an accomplished entrepreneur whose innovations have received international recognition, including recognition from NASA through the NASA Lunar Recycling Challenge for advancing sustainable manufacturing technologies with applications for future space exploration. Through his research, leadership, and entrepreneurial initiatives, Dr. Ahmad continues to bridge academia and industry while developing technologies that contribute to a smarter, more sustainable, and resilient future.