How do you keep up with soaring production rates and increasingly stringent quality standards in the aerospace industry when labor and specialized expertise are in short supply? Watch Out, a Montreal- and Mirabel-based manufacturer of next-generation AI-driven production systems, has placed a bold bet: building 100% autonomous, intelligent micro-factories.
Antoine Clavaud, a former Mila student, acts as a bridge between Watch Out and the research community by leading the company’s AI lab, housed within Mila’s headquarters.
Automating High Precision
Antoine Clavaud’s career took a decisive turn amid the excitement of a Mila career fair. While a student under the supervision of Professor Sarath Chandar, he met the Watch Out team, a perfect match for someone who has always had his sights set on the factory floor: "In industry, the application is direct, and projects address the immediate needs of customers."
His challenge involves developing computer vision models to automate machining processes. In practice, when a raw part is loaded into the micro-factory for calibration, his algorithm becomes the "eyes" of the equipment: "The micro-factory has sensors that measure the part's surface. Based on this data, the AI determines if the dimensions meet the required specifications."
A Strategic Foothold at Mila
In 2024, Watch Out strategically established its AI laboratory within Mila’s offices. "Having an office at Mila gives us exclusive access to the research community's expertise, keeping our team at the forefront of innovation", says Antoine, who has since been hired to direct the lab.
In addition to R&D activities focused on autonomous production systems, Antoine is committed to offering Mila students the same opportunities he received: "Mila’s reputation and the quality of its education are incredible. It’s the logical choice for recruiting top talent."
Currently, a Mila student is preparing to begin an internship under his supervision to design a diagnostic support tool based on Large Language Models (LLMs). This project aims to create an assistant capable of securely archiving resolved cases to assist technicians on the job.
The company recently opened an R&D and pilot assembly center in Mirabel, where algorithms developed at Mila are tested in real-time on state-of-the-art machinery. It is a prime example of how human expertise and artificial intelligence are coming together to shape the future of Quebec’s manufacturing sector.
