University of Waterloo

Co-Op Students Drive Manufacturing Innovation at Toyota

The video follows a co‑op student working on Toyota’s Business Practice project, aimed at reducing frequent scanner damage on the plant’s automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The student’s mandate is to devise a practical solution that protects the scanner without compromising the robot’s mobility. After diagnosing the root cause, the student designed a custom guard to shield the scanner. Initial CAD models revealed misaligned holes, prompting a tolerance increase to ensure a proper fit. A prototype was installed on the shop floor, where the AGV continued to operate smoothly, indicating the guard’s viability. During the demonstration, the student remarked, “maybe it’ll work,” as the AGV moved forward with the guard attached. Following the successful test, the student drafted an email to the supplier detailing the revised specifications, setting the stage for production of the updated component. If implemented plant‑wide, the guard could cut downtime, lower maintenance costs, and showcase how student‑driven innovation accelerates continuous improvement in high‑volume manufacturing environments.