Organisations may harness the power of data to promote innovation, streamline processes, and arrive at wise decisions by using a data analytics and automation lab. Organisations are given the tools they need to adapt to the changing digital world and gain an edge over rivals in their specialised markets.
In the Philippines, the Data Analytics-Network Grid and Automation Laboratory (DANGAL) was recently launched by the University of Cabuyao (UC) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) with the goal of enhancing the research capacity of the Laguna Province.
With a focus on immediate translation to research and practice, leveraging and diversifying DOST PCIEERD-funded resources, integration across the computing and engineering disciplines, and creating a competitive advantage in research and development on a global scale, the UC (PNC) DANGAL seeks to promote community partnerships and industry collaborations.
The Php 7 million (SG$ 203,700) laboratory will also focus on automated warehouse systems, such as goods-to-person (GTP) systems, autonomous mobile robots, automatic guided vehicles, pick-to-light and put-to-light systems, voice picking and tasking, automated sortation systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems.
As part of the Institution Development Programme (IDP) of the DOST, Dr Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, stressed the need of recognising cutting-edge research, which calls for cutting-edge infrastructure and fully stocked laboratories. He noted that it is critical that they ensure that the institutions have the resources they need to undertake creative research and development.
According to Dr Enrico, the UC (PNC) Dangal Research Laboratory also demonstrates the institution’s commitment to encouraging the advancement of technology development and grasping the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0.
This lab will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, information sharing, and research advancements both within and outside the walls of this university, as well as in the manufacturing sectors of Laguna Province. He also reminded staff and students at the University of Cabuyao that the UC Dangal Research Laboratory is more than just a physical location equipped with equipment and innovative technology.
He believed that this would be a symbol of the students’ and researchers’ aims and ambitions, as well as a venue where ideas would grow, innovation would be fostered, and solutions to real-world problems would be produced.
Engr Mary Grace Beao, Project Leader at UC (PNC) DANGAL, also inspired UC teachers and students about the relevance of the lab in terms of capacity building and its commitment to national development through research and development. The lab also aims to improve the College of Computing and Engineering’s skills by fostering practical training for both staff and students and by improving data analytics, network, grid, and automation processes between Laguna industrial enterprises and the university.
The UC (PNC) DANGAL laboratory is the city’s first to be financed by PCIEERD’s Institution Development Programme (IDP). IDP is an existing programme that helps universities improve their abilities to conduct research in the fields of industry, energy, and emerging technologies. This programme aids in the creation and upgrading of research laboratories and infrastructure at academic and research institutions throughout the country.
Data Analytics and Automation Labs are built to manage massive amounts of data and are scalable to meet changing requirements. As industries expand, the lab may adapt to meet the increased demand for data analysis and automation.
Also, a lab environment enables organisations to quickly adapt to new technologies, tools, and techniques, ensuring that they remain competitive in the continually expanding data world.
