The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and a US-based ROS Ready robotics platform launched the RoboFun (Robotics for University) programme in partnership with the Malaysian arm of an American multinational corporation and technology company.
The Deputy Secretary General (Investment) of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) officiated the launching event, praised the RoboFun programme and stated that it is an ongoing collaboration between industry, government, and universities in Malaysia to strengthen the robotics ecosystem. These efforts are believed to contribute to the evolution of Malaysian industries towards Industry 4.0.
The collaboration between various stakeholders is essential for the development and adoption of new technologies, and it is expected that this programme will play a significant role in driving the growth and competitiveness of the Malaysian economy.
MIDA’s CEO stated that the tech firm’s talent development initiative via RoboFun’s comprehensive training module in collaboration with local universities is an effective method to accelerate industry and academia knowledge sharing in developing Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) systems.
The solution and Industry 4.0-related technology created by local university talent will encourage local SMEs to optimise productivity as well as enhance their capabilities. MIDA will continue to support the programme, ultimately improving local graduates’ marketability to meet the industry’s needs. MIDA will continue to work together synergistically with the industry and academia to support the development of the electrical and electronics (E&E) ecosystem in Malaysia.
The Director General of MPC believes that the RoboFun programme will continue to increase the productivity and competitiveness of the nation’s industry and that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) would be a workable solution to the problem of growing labour expenses if only the price of automating processes could be brought down. MPC, in its capacity as the programme’s operational partner, will oversee administering the whole training process, with Intel and Scuttle Robotics providing all necessary technical assistance.
The Vice President of Network and Edge Group, General Manager of Customer Application Support and Enabling, at the tech giant stated that one of the firm’s goals is to bridge the digital divide among faculties and create a new generation of workforce that possess a higher understanding of digital skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, regardless of their field of study.
One of the best ways to achieve this is through the implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) systems, which integrate advanced technologies such as mobility, AI, control systems, OS and automation. RoboFun aims to help universities develop these capabilities, and ultimately become a key technology and solutions provider for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
It is believed that this will also serve as a catalyst for the ecosystem to create a pool of talented individuals, industry players, and technology adopters. The firm looks forward to sharing its experience in providing AMR solutions training to universities and to continue working closely with our partners under this programme, as we understand the importance of this initiative.
The launch event today featured participation from five public and private universities, including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP).
Each university was presented with the tech firm’s Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) kits, which will be used to establish robotics laboratories and provide students from all faculties with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and adapt to AMR systems.
Chancellors and deans from universities have voiced their support for the programme, stating that it will not only benefit young people but also have the potential to enhance the capabilities of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) among students and lecturers.
Through collaboration, a robust AMR solution has been developed. Given the increasing demand for AMR robots, the university representatives expressed confidence that the RoboFun programme is a solution to address the chronic shortage of skilled workers in Malaysia.
