“Making new things, coming here and being able to make things efficiently and effectively is pretty exciting.”
Cole Hunter
Most students head to school, keep their heads down and get ready for the day ahead. They write, read, do calculations or listen to what feels like endless lectures.
In mechatronics, the rules change. From the top of the national podium to the humble, yet fully equipped, engineering rooms of the Barret Centre for Technology Innovation at the Humber Polytechnic North campus, a student is creating complex mechanisms that advance our society while competing all over the world.
Cole Hunter has been shining in his craft for years.
Humble beginnings
Hunter started messing around with robotics in high school, and ever since, it’s all he’s ever wanted to do.
“I was pretty nerdy in high school, so I was just like ‘robotics’ every day,” he said.
He heard about Humber’s mechatronics program from a friend. Then, he chose the electromechanical engineering technology program for its competitive edge and because he preferred working hands-on rather than pursuing a more theoretical path in engineering.
In the depths of high school, other students would compete against his robots to see which could accomplish a task faster.
After making it to Humber, the polytechnic’s team went door to door trying to scout the next stars that would continue the tradition of their 32 gold medals in national and provincial skills competitions.
The try-outs involved pitting classmates against one another for a spot.
Hunter came out on top, although it wouldn’t be his first time.
Competition
Hunter, along with his programming partner Grant Maddock, achieved a back-to-back national gold medal run under the Humber banner.
The competition requires a two-person team to build and program a working assembly line on a smaller scale than a traditional industrial plant. Hunter was the builder. It’s five days of rigorous work, meticulous planning and the ability to meet strict guidelines to score the most points.
Hunter and Maddock hope to make a splash in Shanghai, the upcoming epicentre for the 2026 World Championships.
Although Humber has historically dominated the nation, the world hasn’t been as straightforward. Hunter and Maddock hope to change that gap in Humbers’ resume.
“It’s very exciting to be able to look at a system and make it work efficiently compared to other people, and better obviously than some other people,” Hunter said.
While he prepares for the world stage, Hunter is passing on his talents to the next generation. He is recruiting and preparing prospects to carry the proud badge of Humber to yet another provincial victory, just as his mentors did.
Even as a two-time national champion, the chip isn’t on his shoulder. He puts the chip firmly on his coaches.
“The administration here definitely helped us out,” he said. “They’re really good to us.”
Relationships
Travelling the world isn’t just about rivalries. It’s about experiences and friendship, and Hunter has them in spades, so much so that winning brings him bittersweet feelings. He knows only one can carry on, but it still hurts seeing a friend’s dream crushed and a home trip premature.
Hunter spends weeks at a time with his fellow competitors, either on the national or international stage, competing or watching them perform. It’s difficult not to form a long-lasting friendship.
“We’re always talking to them about practicing. How they practice, how we practice,” he said. “It’s an everyday full-time job kind of thing once you get to worlds.”
He said they work just as hard and put in similar hours to their craft. Unfortunately, in an elimination-style competition, only one moves on.
Still, after eliminating a friend, he sends them the same message he would send to himself after facing such a devastating loss.
“Be proud of yourself for how much you practice and how much you put into it.”
Hunter also has friends in a separate engineering program at Humber. They’ve driven him to airports for his competitions, showing their unwavering support.
“They’ve been super helpful. My friends are a huge part (of it), always coming and helping me stay focused and stay committed, they’re really helpful,” Hunter said.
Even his mother finds his talents and the sport very interesting, giving him all the support she can. She travels with him, cheers him on and does what any supportive parent would do: be there. Even if it means flying to the other side of the world.
Highlights
Hunter has competed all over the world. He’s won championships, made memories and, most of all, continues to garner a love for his skill.
He’s recently come back from Denmark to view other technologists compete in the European championship.
Sadly, the Americas don’t have a continental competition coinciding with the European competition. Although at one point, Team Canada was represented and performed well on the continental stage until the competition’s disbandment in 2019.
Denmark was a fond memory. However, his favourite build took place in Hanover, Germany, where he and his partner built a system that dispensed pieces, filled it with a substance and capped it off before delivering it to the user. Hunter admits it doesn’t sound too glamorous on paper, but says it’s a phenomenal feat once it’s built from scratch and seen in action.
“The complexity of it, how everything’s very tight, how everything’s very close together and the challenge make everything work together for me.”
Future
Hunter doesn’t know where his future lies, but he knows it’s bright. He’s travelled the world and made valuable connections. When his time at Humber comes to a close, he’ll hope the faculty and the next generation remember his accomplishments and his determination that led Humber to glory.
Although he would love to continue competing, it’s only possible under a union or institution.
His competitive days aren’t over yet, though. Shanghai is around the corner with what might be his last shot at a world championship in 2026. He also has a preparation meeting in Ottawa coming up this fall, where Team Canada will get their training budget, an opportunity to consult with experts and trainers and a full-fledged media day.
After graduation, he hopes to find work in designing, building and maintaining assembly lines, most likely in medicinal packaging.
“I’m excited to start working,” he said. “I think anyone that’s been in school since high school or elementary school is excited to finally get in the field or do something that you want to do.”
Knowing the next chapter of his life is imminent, he’s looking forward to moving on as a champion.
“Once it (competing for Humber) ends, I’m definitely going to be not lost, but I’m just gonna be like, damn, a little hole empty,” he said.
Feature image courtesy of Cole Hunter.
Hunter is a master of his skill; it’s how he hopes to make his living and who he chooses to be. Find out why self-expression matters!
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all things student life.
