Intel Malaysia and partners launch RoboFun Programme
16 Jan 2023
Intel Malaysia has launched the Robotics for University (RoboFun) programme to help varsities build capabilities and ultimately emerge as the core technology and solutions provider for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The initiative is in collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and Scuttle Robotics.
Intel vice-president of network and edge group, and general manager of customer application support and enabling, Eric Chan said RoboFun aims to bridge the digital divide among the faculties and create a new generation of a workforce equipped with a higher appreciation of digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, regardless of their training disciplines.
Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) system is one of the best applications to realise multiple advanced technologies’ integration from mobility, AI, control systems, operating systems (OS) and automation.
“We are also proud that it would serve as a catalyst for the ecosystems to do the same and create a vibrant pool of talents, industry players and adopters of the technology,” he said in a joint statement issued in conjunction with the programme launch here today.
MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman said Intel’s initiative on talent development via RoboFun’s comprehensive training module is an effective method to spur industry and academia knowledge sharing in developing an AMR system.
He said the solution and Industry 4.0-related technology created by local own university talents will encourage SMEs to optimise productivity as well as to enhance their capabilities.
“MIDA is looking forward to supporting the success of this programme which will ultimately improve local graduates’ marketability to meet the industry needs.
“MIDA will continue to work together synergistically with the industry and academia to support the development of the electrical and electronics ecosystem in Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, MPC director-general Datuk Abdul Latif Abu Seman said the RoboFun programme will continue to increase the productivity and competitiveness of Malaysian industries and that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future.
He said that 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 be in charge of administering the whole training process, with Intel and Scuttle Robotics providing all the necessary technical assistance,” he said.
Intel said that five public and private universities, namely Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Petronas participated in the launch ceremony and received their AMR kits.
It said that the kits will be instrumental to establish the universities’ respective robotics laboratories and to empower students of all faculties to upskill their knowledge and adapt to AMR systems.
Source: Bernama
