University of Niagara Falls, Canada
Course: MGMT640 – Project Management
Instructor: Dr. Amir Harandi
Guest Speaker: Mr. Fred Rafiei, CEO of Beaver Robotics
Empowering Future Project Managers Through Innovation & Robotics
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, students in the MGMT640 – Project Management course at the University of Niagara Falls participated in an exclusive guest speaker event featuring Mr. Fred Rafiei, Co-Founder and CEO of Beaver Robotics, a leading Canadian robotics and automation company.
Held during the scheduled evening class session (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM), this event achieved 100% student attendance, highlighting the strong interest and enthusiasm for industry engagement and applied learning. The guest lecture perfectly aligned with the course’s focus on project management in innovation-driven environments, particularly within the robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors.
About the Guest Speaker: Mr. Fred Rafiei
Mr. Fred Rafiei is a highly respected technology leader and entrepreneur in Canada, known for his visionary work in robotic automation, AI systems, and intelligent industrial solutions. As CEO of Beaver Robotics, he brings over 20 years of experience across engineering, ERP systems, product development, solution design, and business innovation.
Before founding Beaver Robotics, Mr. Rafiei held executive roles at leading tech firms including Boom ERP Consultants, Jonar, and APC. His expertise spans:
- Robotics and AI integration
- Product lifecycle management
- Enterprise system implementation
- High-impact innovation strategies
- Technical project leadership
Session Highlights: Blending Theory with Real-World Technology
The session was thoughtfully structured to maximize student engagement and hands-on learning:
✅ Housekeeping & Safety
- Consent obtained for photos/videos featuring students
- Safety guidelines shared for interaction with the robotic dog
✅ Welcome & Introduction
- Opening remarks by Dr. Amir Harandi
- Overview of session goals and relevance to project management skills
✅ Keynote Talk by Mr. Rafiei
- Introduction to his career journey, company mission, and the transformative role of robotics in today’s industries
✅ Live Robotic Dog Demonstration
- Mr. Rafiei showcased one of Beaver Robotics’ signature products—a robotic dog
- Students actively engaged by taking photos, videos, and asking questions
✅ Hands-On Group Activity
- Students were divided into interactive groups
- Each group closely examined the robot, explored its capabilities, and interacted directly with Mr. Rafiei
- Teams developed mini-project proposals on how humanoid or robotic technologies could be applied in various industries, blending creativity, technical understanding, and project planning
Learning Outcomes & Impact
This unique guest lecture offered students real-time exposure to:
- Cutting-edge robotics technology
- Innovation project management in high-tech fields
- Collaborative and critical thinking
- Practical application of project planning frameworks
The session not only reinforced classroom theory but also bridged the gap between academic learning and industry practice—helping students prepare for real-world roles in technology management, engineering leadership, and AI-driven innovation projects.