The PACE Lab established by General Motors (GM) and PACE Partners Autodesk,
HP,
Oracle and Siemens PLM Software at McMaster University is giving engineering and
technology students an edge as they prepare for careers in the world of automotive
design and engineering.

Patrick Deane, President of McMaster University, and Matt Crossley, director of
Canadian engineering at GM Canada, opened the PACE (Partners for the Advancement
of Collaborative Engineering Education) Lab at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the
University Thursday. Also participating were representatives from Autodesk, HP, Oracle
and Siemens PLM Software.

“We want our engineering and technology students equipped to thrive in the
automotive industry of the future,” said Deane. “That industry is one that is global in
scope and collaborative in nature. PACE provides our students with the chance to work
with their peers from around the world and gives them exposure to tomorrow's
technologies.”

PACE has made an in-kind contribution of state-of-the-art computer-based
hardware,
such as 3D navigation devices and engineering workstations, and engineering software
used by automakers around the globe for product planning, engineering, analysis, and
data management. The University also receives technical and educational materials for
student and instructor training and academic support.

Sixty-seven computer workstations have been installed in two locations at the
University, one in the Engineering Technology Building and the other in the John
Hodgins Engineering Building. The workstations are used by students in both the
Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology programs. PACE software on the
computers includes Siemens PLM Software NX and Teamcenter; and Autodesk Alias
Design, Maya, and Sketchbook Pro.

A student team demonstrated their work for the PACE Next Generation Sustainable
Urban Transport (SUT) project at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The students are
collaborating with their peers at the University of Cincinnati to develop a near-
pollution-free vehicle propelled by compressed air. McMaster is developing the
propulsion system and students at the University of Cincinnati are developing the
frame and chassis. The project will be presented at the 2011 PACE Global Annual
Forum this July in Vancouver.

“Students experience a greater depth and breadth of learning when they are able
to
work with their peers and other professionals on real-world projects,” said David
Wilkinson, dean of engineering. “We are increasing opportunities for these types of
experiences at McMaster and partnerships with organizations like PACE are essential to
their success.”

PACE is a corporate alliance between General Motors, Autodesk, HP, Oracle and
Siemens PLM Software with contributions from 14 other companies. Founded in 1999,
PACE supports 56 leading academic institutions in 12 countries through the
contribution of computer-based engineering tools. Its goal is to prepare the engineers,
designers, and analysts of the future by providing students in mechanical design,
engineering, analysis and manufacturing with the digital and collaboration skills they
need to succeed in their professional careers.