Mayor Drew Dilkens, Dean of Engineering Bill Van Heyst, and Mahir Chowdhury, MASc student in mechanical, automotive and materials engineering, during a tour of the engineering labs at the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (MIKE WILKINS/The University of Windsor)
By Lindsay Charlton
The question Windsor’s mayor hears most from companies looking to invest in the region is simple: “Do you have the talent to make my business successful?”
He knows the answer is yes — and it’s growing.
Mayor Drew Dilkens visited the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Engineering Wednesday to get an up-close look at the mechatronics labs and the research underway.
“I’m really proud of the University of Windsor and the Faculty of Engineering. For me, it was especially important to understand the mechatronics component, because in the City of Windsor, we’re looking at ways to support economic development — not just by recognizing the capabilities we have here, but also by being able to showcase the skill sets available,” Dilkens said after the tour.
The University launched its Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) undergraduate program this fall.
By leveraging machine learning, artificial intelligence and computer vision (technology that enables computers to “see” and interpret images), the program focuses on improving mechatronic systems — which combine mechanical, electrical and computing components — with specializations in autonomous vehicles and intelligent manufacturing.
“Mechatronics is an area where a lot of industries in Windsor need help,” Dean Bill Van Heyst said. “They need the talent and the skill sets and it's not always easy to attract those into Windsor. If we grow them here, the odds are they'll stay upon graduation.”
Faculty members guided the mayor through the labs, showing him the research underway and the advanced tools students use.
Mayor Drew Dilkens, dean of engineering Bill Van Heyst, electric and computer engineering professor Dr. Shahpour Alirezaee, and Noor Oush, an MASc student in mechanical, automotive and materials engineering, during a lab tour at the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (MIKE WILKINS/The University of Windsor)
He spoke with students about projects ranging from experiments on the data acquisition systems in the multi-purpose lab to the development of new sensors in the MicroNano Mechatronics Lab, as well as an autonomous robotic pollination system designed to support the region’s greenhouse industry.
“Just when I thought I’d seen it all, I opened doors and discovered things I had no idea were happening here,” Dilkens said.
The visit highlighted why Windsor’s expertise in mechatronics matters, emphasizing the practical skills students gain and the workforce capabilities that draw companies to the region.
“It underscores what I think is the value of having a university in the city and a strong Faculty of Engineering. We have smart students here. We've got a great city and a great university. So how do we put all those things together to tell the story to employers who are looking to make investments?”
Van Heyst agreed, noting that universities are not isolated from their communities but are part of them.
“Having the mayor see our program firsthand lets him promote our talent pipeline to companies interested in the region. It’s only natural to close the loop and act as a community, not in silos,” he said.
“We all have Windsor-Essex’s best interests at heart and that pride shows on both the city and academic sides.”