Calgary, AB—The Canadian federal and Quebec provincial governments have invested in a new project that will use artificial intelligence to improve the reliability and fuel efficiency of Trimac trucks through more intelligent maintenance operations.

In February, SCALE AI, a federal agency that accelerates the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI), received funding to support five new projects that will contribute to the development of a world-class Canadian AI ecosystem.

For one of these five new projects, SCALE AI is funding a collaboration among Trimac, Preteckt, an Ontario-based provider of predictive maintenance software, and McGill University, that will focus on the development of a new system that will leverage truck IoT data to provide advice on truck maintenance that can reduce unexpected truck breakdowns and improve fuel economy. This collaboration will focus in particular on data related to a truck’s engine, brake, and tire subsystems.

With Scale AI’s investment, a total of $5 million is being invested in the collaboration. Building on a two-year partnership between Trimac and Preteckt, the current project is expected to span 18 months. The data to be used for the Trimac-led collaboration will be collected from in-cab tractor sensors manufactured by Quebec-based ISAAC Instruments.

“Unexpected truck breakdowns have significant impacts on our operations and customer service,” said Trimac’s Director of Innovation and Integration, Ken Trickey. “Beyond repair costs, managing transport reorganization and delays requires time and energy that bring no added value to our customers.”

The project is expected to make significant contributions to supply chain productivity in a range of industries, safety, and CO2 emissions reductions.
“Preteckt is excited to develop new diagnostic tools which will enable more relevant and precise maintenance operations which will limit unexpected breakdowns and further improve the reliability of trucks while reducing operating costs,” said Sasha Kucharczyk, COO and Co-Founder, Preteckt.

About Scale AI
As Canada’s AI supercluster, SCALE AI acts as an investment and innovation hub that accelerates the rapid adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and contributes to the development of a world-class Canadian AI ecosystem.

Based in Montreal, funded by the federal government and the Quebec government, SCALE AI has nearly 120 industry partners, research institutes and other players in the AI field. It develops programs aimed at supporting investment projects of companies that implement real-world applications in AI, the emergence of future Canadian flagships in the sector, as well as the development of a skilled workforce.

About Trimac
Trimac was built on the foundation of service with safety. We are uniquely qualified to respond to most service demands in North America’s key bulk commodity shipping locations and traffic lanes. Trimac’s Canadian and United States operations are complemented by strategic partners in Mexico, adding full-service capability in and out of the country. With 3,400 employees including independent contractors and more than 140 branches located throughout North America, Trimac is proud to be part of the many communities in which we operate.