Siemens has announced that it will invest $150 million over five years to establish a global AI manufacturing technologies research and development centre for battery and electric vehicle (EV) production in Ontario.

The initiative aims to strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in the battery and EV ecosystem, said the German manufacturing giant.

The R&D centre will initially operate out of Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville, Ont., along with additional locations in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. The facility will focus on advancing AI-driven manufacturing technologies, including edge computing, machine vision, digital twins, and cybersecurity. Key objectives include improving battery production quality, increasing workforce productivity, reducing material waste, and promoting recycling and circularity.

“The decision to choose Canada as home for our global AI manufacturing technologies R&D centre was driven by Canada’s highly qualified talent and strong collaborations with world-leading universities,” said Rainer Brehm, CEO, of factory automation for Siemens Digital Industries. “The new R&D centre for battery production will position Siemens as a key player in the global battery sector, developing the critical technology advancements for the industry to meet the increasing demand for these products.”

The investment includes spending on talent, equipment, software, and ecosystem development, said the company. Siemens will work in collaboration with Canadian universities and industry partners to drive innovation. The project is supported by both the federal and Ontario governments and is expected to create up to 90 jobs.

Ontario is providing $7.2 for the project through the Invest Ontario Fund, the province announced.

The federal government announced that it is committed to supporting the project but did not provide any financial details.

Photo: Siemens

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