The Intelligent Systems Laboratory (ISL) was has been established by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC). The establishment of the research hub will promote and enhance research activities in the College of Engineering, foster collaboration between faculty and students at the university and other higher education institutions in the region, and facilitate research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation.
According to Dr Cristina P. Dadula, director of the project, the research laboratory contributes to nation-building, hence, the Intelligent Systems Laboratory (ISL) provides students and professors with the chance to explore solutions to real-world issues utilising cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other related subjects.
This is the first project with the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), and they are looking forward to more projects to sustain the laboratory and to continue their research and development (R&D) efforts to assist the local industries and communities.
ISL is outfitted with cutting-edge research tools, such as simulation software, programmable logic controllers, 3D printers, and robotic systems. Students and faculty will be able to perform cutting-edge research in the field of intelligent systems and AI, and students will be prepared for careers in the field. This research centre will focus its R&D efforts on information and communications technology systems, green construction, intelligent agriculture, and intelligent manufacturing.
According to its goals of involving professors and students, three of the ten faculty proposals submitted for financing were approved. While one of the sixteen concepts submitted by their pupils for the Young Innovators Program (YIP) was selected for shortlisting.
The approved funding applications are as follows:
- The objective of Assessment and Profiling of COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Wastes in General Santos City: Basis for the Development of Appropriate Solid Waste Management Technologies for the City is to generate comprehensive data on the composition and classification of wastes generated in General Santos City for use in planning and implementing waste management activities in the city to protect the public and marine resources in the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.
- Description of the Non-metallic Mineral Deposit The purpose of Characterising and Determining the Exact Type of the Unknown Non-Metallic Mineral Found in General Santos City and Sarangani Province is to characterise and determine the exact type of the unknown non-metallic mineral found in General Santos City and the municipalities of Sarangani Province.
- HEIRIT: The creation of ICEBOX seeks to build the first university-based Technology Business Incubator for smart systems innovations at MSU-Gensan.
In addition, the acting chancellor of MSU-GSC, Dr Usman D. Aragasi, expressed his gratitude to the DOST-PCIEERD for their continued support of the university, noting that this money will aid to the growth of the province’s S&T and technopreneurship sectors.
The ISL is one of the TBI’s (Technology Business Incubator) support facilities, and the local government remains committed to expanding its reach to universities and colleges and establishing more laboratories and facilities in the regions to develop and upskill the STEM workforce in the Philippines.
The Intelligent Systems Laboratory’s opening represents a key milestone in the university’s efforts to enhance engineering and technology research and development. With its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research equipment, MSU-GSC is projected to have a substantial impact on the nation’s science and technology sector.
The MSU-GSC Intelligent Systems Laboratory was established within the Institution Development Program of DOST-PCIEERD, which aims to enhance the capacity of institutions to do research in S&T fields that fall under PCIEERD’s priority areas.
