January 14, 2026.
Toronto, ON – A team of researchers from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has contributed key advances in autonomous drone navigation as part of a Canada-wide initiative aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and service delivery in remote regions. The research forms part of three collaborative projects led by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), designed to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensing technologies can support remote First Nations and rural communities that face barriers in accessing essential medical supplies and emergency services.
The TMU team, led by Professor Farrokh Janabi-Sharifi of the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering, developed AI-powered algorithms for autonomous route planning, take-offs and landings, as well as intelligent aerial manipulation systems for package pickup and delivery. Working in partnership with InDro Robotics and the Cowichan Tribes in British Columbia, the researchers focused on enabling safe and effective beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, a key challenge in bringing automated drone services to remote areas.
“This project marks a significant milestone in advancing drone technologies for autonomous operations, sensing, and intelligent control systems,” said Janabi-Sharifi. “The collective expertise and collaboration across NRC, industry partners, First Nations community members and universities were instrumental in achieving these breakthroughs. TMU remains dedicated to fostering impactful research partnerships that strengthen Canada’s leadership in aerial robotics.”
These innovations are expected to support a range of community-directed applications, from delivering medical supplies to monitoring critical infrastructure. The work also provided hands-on training for graduate students through co-supervision by university faculty and NRC researchers.
This research contributes to TMU’s ongoing commitment to advancing ethical, impactful, and community-centred innovation at the intersection of technology, robotics, and First Nations community partnerships.
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