AI Gold Rush in Singapore Needs More Talent Than Tech
Etron, Generalplus and Icatch Lead AI On Chip Innovations for Industrial Applications
Nvidia To Build AI Research, Data Centres in Vietnam with Govt
By Prof. Datin Lorela Chia
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Malaysia’s manufacturing and automation landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in AI, robotics, and digitalization. With the government’s continued push for Industry 4.0 adoption and the expansion of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), industries are gearing up for a new wave of growth and regional collaboration.
One of the major developments in the past months has been Malaysia’s rising investment in semiconductor and EV manufacturing, with major global players setting up production facilities across the country. As automation becomes a necessity rather than a choice, companies are accelerating factory automation, enhancing AI-driven predictive maintenance, and integrating IoT for real-time monitoring. These trends are paving the way for a more competitive and sustainable industrial sector.
Meanwhile, the government’s recent initiatives to enhance the local talent pipeline in smart manufacturing are gaining momentum. Programs such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expansions and industry-academia collaborations are equipping the workforce with the skills needed to operate in highly automated environments. Our featured articles in this issue will explore how Malaysian manufacturers are bridging the skills gap and implementing automation without compromising job growth.
With Johor Industrial Expo 2025 on the horizon, Malaysia continues to solidify its position as a key industrial hub in the region. The expo will serve as a platform to connect manufacturers, technology providers, and industry leaders, fostering discussions on the future of automation, smart factories, and digital transformation.
As always, Automate Asia Magazine remains committed to bringing you the latest insights and innovations shaping the industry. We hope this issue inspires new ideas and strategies as we navigate this fast-evolving industrial landscape together. Stay connected with us at www.asiaautomate.com.
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• Prof. Datin Lorela Chia
Automate Asia Magazine neither guarantees nor supports any product of service mentioned in this magazine, or does it warrant any assertions made by the manufactures of such products. In light of this readers of this magazine are always recommended to obtain independent information and/or to perform independent research before using the information acquired via this magazine. The information in this magazine is regularly supplemented and/or modified. Automate Asia Magazine reserves the right to make
AUTOMATION & CONTROL
22. SICK and Endress+Hauser Start Strategic Partnership for Process Automation
24. Siemens Xcelerator: Eplan and Siemens Enable Data Interoperability in Machine Engineering
Raises $10.5m Series A
32. Robots Leading Malaysia’s Farming Future
36. Southeast Asia Launches First Robotic Cardiac Surgery Procedure, A Collaboration with St. Luke’s Medical Center
TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCT NEWS
38. AI Does Not Mean the Robots Are Coming
40. Micron Bets $7 Billion On Singapore as AI’s New Semiconductor Powerhouse with Game-Changing HBM Technology
42. Real-Time Vibration Monitoring Using Node-RED and Grafana via OPC UA
46. In-Space 3D Printing Research Paves Way for Future In-Orbit Fabricators
48. ‘Robot Revolution’ Forces China’s Human Workforce to Adapt
52. Implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Intellectual Property for Research, Innovation and Commercialisation in 2050
56. The Automation Race: Who Will Lead?
60. AI, Blockchain, and the Future of Sustainable Supply Chains
64. 2025 and Beyond: The Next Leap in Manufacturing Automation
AI Gold Rush in Singapore Needs More
Talent Than Tech
Singapore is investing heavily in AI, but its success hinges on equipping its workforce with the skills to effectively apply this technology. This means prioritising training, addressing ethical concerns and fostering a culture of AI literacy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often seen as the golden key to boundless productivity and innovation. In Singapore, a digital frontrunner, AI represents a pivotal opportunity. Yet, despite a tech-savvy workforce, many workers still struggle to apply AI effectively in their daily tasks. Without the right expertise, Singapore risks losing its competitive edge in a global AI race, where practical know-how matters as much as the technology itself.
AI offers strong returns, but TeamViewer’s AI opportunity report finds high implementation costs are a key barrier for 30% of businesses. In AI-advanced markets like Singapore, replacing legacy technology and addressing financial hurdles are essential steps to successfully integrate AI and unlock its potential.
Despite these hurdles, AI remains a powerful tool, ready to be unlocked by teams who can integrate it effectively into
their operations – offering far-reaching benefits beyond technical experts.
The Stakes: Competitiveness And Economic Resilience
AI’s potential to redefine productivity is vast. Research from McKinsey shows that AI innovation in products and services could add up to about 7% or around $6tn to the world’s GDP by 2030.
In Singapore, where AI is backed by significant government investment, the potential for transformative impact across sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics is immense. However, AI’s benefits are not guaranteed; they depend on workers who can leverage these tools to drive business results, not just automate tasks.
AI skill demand is surging, with LinkedIn noting a 29% rise in related job postings in 2023. While Singapore is wellequipped with government programmes and tech initiatives to meet this demand, the real challenge lies in practical integration and training. Success in AI depends on building a workforce skilled in applying AI for competitive advantage.
how roles will evolve for the better. For Singapore’s AI strategy to succeed, organisations must prioritise AI training for all employees, from entry-level to C-suite, and foster cross-departmental support to ensure AI becomes integral across business functions.
more familiar with AI reporting greater confidence in using it. This is particularly evident in AI-advanced nations like Singapore (94%) and the US (87%), where respondents are more comfortable with AI compared to lower adoption countries like France (76%).
Ethically, AI can perpetuate biases due to the data it processes. As Singapore scales its AI initiatives, it is essential to implement clear ethical guidelines to ensure responsible use and prevent misuse.
Enabling Career Growth and Retention
Addressing The Real Challenges
Building An AI-Literate Workforce
In 2021, Alibaba launched “AliMe”, a generative AI tool that helps e-commerce sellers in China create search engine optimised product descriptions in seconds, boosting small business productivity. This innovation highlights AI’s potential in creative industries.
The shift from AI experimentation to practical application is a global trend, with our report indicating that 61% of decision-makers seek solutions that deliver tangible results. TeamViewer’s AIpowered Session Insights is an example of automating session documentation and providing actionable analytics. The real value of AI lies in tools that improve everyday tasks.
However, many workers, especially in less digitally mature sectors, feel unprepared. A recent report found that 64% of professionals have benefited from AI, but only 24% believe their teams are skilled at applying it to complex tasks. This gap underscores the need for widespread AI education.
Leaders need to clearly communicate what their AI strategies are and outline
Bridging the AI skills gap offers significant benefits for Singaporean businesses, driving career growth and employee retention. A recent Unisys survey found that nearly 80% of employees believe AI expertise accelerates career advancement, with 44% reinvesting time saved through automation into further training.
In 2022, Singapore-based Copy. ai launched an AI-powered content platform, enabling small and mediumsized businesses to create search engine optimised content efficiently. Such initiatives highlight the growing recognition of AI literacy as key to shifting employees from repetitive tasks to more strategic roles.
TeamViewer’s AI opportunity report shows that 73% of respondents view AI as essential for career growth, with those
AI adoption comes with its challenges, particularly the high costs, which are a barrier for smaller firms. Yet, the cost of inaction may be greater. TeamViewer’s report reveals that 26% of businesses –and up to 32% in Singapore – view the lack of AI adoption as a competitive risk, with potential revenue losses from missed automation opportunities. For Singapore, maintaining an edge in AI has become a strategic necessity.
As AI adoption grows, so do concerns about security and privacy, especially in sensitive sectors like finance and healthcare. Our research shows that decision-makers are cautious about AI’s data risks, requiring robust security measures and transparent policies to address these concerns. With the correct training and processes in place these risks can be mitigated and the full potential of AI realised.
Singapore’s commitment to AI-driven growth is evident in its forward-thinking policies, but true success will depend on equipping its workforce to use AI responsibly and effectively. The promise of AI – greater productivity, innovation, and a more dynamic economy – is real. But to realise this promise, we need more than investment in technology; we need investment in people.
Encouragingly, our research shows that 81% of Singaporean businesses plan to increase AI training within the next six to 12 months. Training programmes, clear ethical frameworks, and a commitment to practical, real-world applications are needed. For Singapore to lead, we must ensure that our workforce is not just AIaware but AI-capable. Only then can AI’s full benefits be unlocked, positioning Singapore as a global hub of innovation and talent.
Malaysia Aiming to Become Energy, Chip Making Hub, PM Says
Malaysia wants to leverage its location to become an energy and chip manufacturing hub this year, riding a recent jump in investments and a favourable outlook for the domestic economy, its premier and economic minister said on Thursday.
Malaysia is fast becoming a haven in Southeast Asia, with foreign investors returning as improving growth and a stable currency set it apart from peers grappling with political flux and economic uncertainty.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s economy rebounded dramatically last year, spurred by an influx of strategic investments, most substantially in renewable energy and artificial intelligence infrastructure. He added inflation and the ringgit were stable and the stock market was the region’s top performer.
“In 2025, we want to double down on our geographical centrality, as a conduit for electricity, talent and supply chain diversification,” he said at an economic forum.
Anwar said Malaysia will now aim to refine its expertise in oil and gas, semiconductors, and Islamic finance to become a global market leader in each field.
Economy minister Rafizi Ramli said Malaysia is looking to produce its own graphics processing unit chips as demand for artificial intelligence and data centres grows.
“We are hoping that we can start producing made-by-Malaysia GPUs and chips in the next five to 10 years,” he said.
Malaysia, a major player in the semiconductor industry that accounts for 13% of global testing and packaging, is targeting over $100 billion in investment for the sector.
The Southeast Asian country is seen as well placed to attract more business as Chinese chip firms diversify overseas for assembling needs, and has attracted multibillion-dollar investments from leading firms in recent years, including Intel and Infineon.
Malaysia also received a slew of digital investments from major tech firms last year, including Alphabet’s Google, helping to propel its economy with growth beating market expectations in the second and third quarters and the ringgit becoming one of Asia’s top performers in 2024.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during an exchange of notes after his meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Putrajaya, Malaysia October 26, 2024. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain/Pool/File Photo
Malaysia Seeks UAE Investments in Renewable Energy and Strategic Economic Projects
During a three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim invited UAE companies to invest in Malaysia’s renewable energy (RE) sector, including data center projects.
In discussions with Masdar, a UAE stateowned renewables firm, the Malaysian government expressed its commitment to facilitating joint ventures with local companies. These collaborations aim to advance green energy projects, infrastructure development, battery storage solutions, and the enhancement of Malaysia’s energy grid.
Meetings with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) focused on projects aligned with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the MADANI Economy framework. Potential investment areas include the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), targeting sectors such as advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, green technology, renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, the digital economy, and education.
Prime Minister Anwar also welcomed ADIA’s interest in collaborating with global infrastructure partners on the potential privatization of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). ADIA’s extensive experience with airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Heathrow, and Paris positions it as a valuable partner in MAHB’s reorganization or privatization efforts.
Additionally, discussions with Mubadala, another UAE investment company, centered on the production of
liquefied natural gas (LNG), development of gas-related infrastructure, and value chain projects such as blue hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). These initiatives are also linked to developments in the JS-SEZ.
Prime Minister Anwar’s engagements in the UAE underscore Malaysia’s commitment to attracting foreign investment in key sectors to drive economic growth and technological advancement.
MIDA and Infineon Launch Vendor Development Programme to Boost Malaysia’s Semiconductor Industry
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Infineon Technologies (Kulim)
Sdn Bhd have launched a local vendor development programme set to benefit 139 Malaysian companies. This initiative, which has attracted over 190 participants, aims to enhance the capabilities of local firms to support Malaysia’s expanding semiconductor industry.
MIDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, emphasized the importance of both technological advancement and human capital development in building a resilient and competitive semiconductor ecosystem. He stated that MIDA is offering structured platforms to local suppliers to boost their technological capabilities and ensure their workforce is prepared for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.
Infineon’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Ng Kok Tiong, highlighted the company’s commitment to assisting local vendors in comprehending the complex requirements of high-technology wafer fabrication manufacturing. He noted that cultivating a pool of vendors capable of delivering high-value and reliable services is essential to support Infineon’s growth in Malaysia, especially in today’s dynamic and challenging business environment.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz remarked that the MIDAInfineon public-private programme enables Malaysian companies to leverage advanced manufacturing technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart connectivity solutions. He added that such initiatives align with the objectives of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy, aiming to strengthen Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem.
In August 2024, Infineon completed the first phase of its 200-millimeter silicon carbide (SiC) power fabrication facility in Kulim. This investment has significantly bolstered the local semiconductor ecosystem and reinforced Infineon’s position as a key player in Malaysia’s growing semiconductor hub.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) speaks during a press conference before concluding his three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today. Also present were Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz (left) and Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (right)
Stagnant Pay, Skills and Jobs Mismatch: How Can Malaysia Tackle These 3 ‘Paradoxes’?
Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister Steven Sim emphasised making vocational courses more accessible, saying he himself had signed up for a corporate leadership TVET (technical and vocational education and training) course.
A tight labour market but with stagnant wages. A lack of skilled talent in critical sectors even though such workers do exist. Only enough jobs for one-sixth of Malaysia’s 300,000 university graduates yearly.
These are Malaysia’s employment “paradoxes”, identified by its Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
The three paradoxes mean the country needs to utilise its skilled professionals more effectively through better coordination between policymakers, employers and educators, observers told CNA.
The minister shared his views at a lively panel discussion on operationalising Malaysia’s education and training agenda held at Sunway University on Monday (Jan 13).
He noted that the paradoxes centre around how Malaysia shows “positive” statistics in unemployment and the number of graduates produced, but struggles when it comes to wages, underemployment and the availability of high-paying jobs.
To address these paradoxes, Sim stressed the importance of upskilling workers through programmes such as TVET (technical and vocational education and training) courses and government initiatives to boost wages and jobs.
Sim also spoke about plans to make the country’s TVET programme more attractive and accessible, and revealed that
The second is the “skills-to-job” paradox, where employers complain that Malaysia does not have enough skilled talent especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) sector, Sim said.
Edwin Oh Chun Kit, a researcher at the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP), a Malaysia think tank, warned that these paradoxes, if unaddressed, will increase the risk of further long-term economic stagnation.
to an advanced diploma or associate degree, are offered at public and private universities, polytechnics and community colleges across Malaysia.
he himself had enrolled in a TVET course in corporate leadership.
Sunway University economics professor
Yeah Kim Leng told CNA that the three paradoxes are “symptomatic” of how the Malaysian economy is underperforming and registering below its growth potential.
“A more responsive national education policy and labour market policy are needed to coordinate the nation’s human resource planning and development. It is a call to action for policymakers, employers and educators to develop and harness the country’s human capital more effectively,” he said.
“With low unemployment rate and rising investment that will create more employment opportunities, the three paradoxes reflect growth constraints rather than growth traps.”
THREE PARADOXES
According to Sim, the first paradox is a “wage-to-job” paradox, where low unemployment - currently at 3.2 per cent - is not translating to higher wages.
“You imagine that if it is a workers’ market, wages would be improving because of the demand of the workers and low unemployment. But unfortunately, the paradox in this situation is that wages are relatively low. Median monthly salary is about RM2,700 (US$600) plus a month,” he said.
The irony here, Sim pointed out, is that Malaysia has a “relatively high” underemployment rate of over 36 per cent due to a mismatch between job needs and academic qualifications, meaning the country actually has STEM talent who are working in underqualified jobs.
The third is what Sim called the “education-to-job” paradox, where he stated that Malaysia produces about 300,000 graduates every year - with onethird of it in STEM fields - but with only 50,000 high-paying, skilled jobs available.
“So, you have this current issue that we are facing: There are some positive numbers, but unfortunately, the paradox is that there are also some challenges and issues that we have to face,” Sim said.
“The administration must strive to streamline inter-ministerial coordination and improve oversight for both TVET and higher education to ensure alignment with industry demands,” he told CNA.
Employers should also advise the government and work with educational institutions to “provide real-world insights into evolving workforce needs”, Oh said.
MAKING TVET MORE ATTRACTIVE
TVET aims to produce graduates in fields like manufacturing, construction, healthcare and information technology with skills relevant to industry needs.
TVET courses, which range from levels 1 to 5 with the highest being equivalent
“With greater synergy in these efforts, Malaysia can effectively bridge the skills mismatch, improve labour market outcomes, and drive sustainable economic growth,” Oh added.
Malaysia produces about 100,000 TVET graduates each year. The government is targeting 500,000 students to enrol in TVET programmes across all 1,398 TVET institutions nationwide this year, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also National TVET Council chairman.
“The courses provided are tailored to meet employer demands, particularly from industries, and Memorandums of Agreement have been signed between TVET institutions and employers,” he said on Jan 11 as quoted by Bernama.
File photo of office workers walking in front of the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers. (Photo: CNA/ Fadza Ishak)
Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (second from left) speaking at a panel discussion held at Sunway University on Jan 13, 2025. (Photo: Ministry of Human Resources)
“This means that upon completing their courses, TVET graduates will immediately be employed by these employers.”
In a bid to make TVET more attractive, Sim said he had proposed to the Cabinet to introduce levels 6, 7 and 8 for the programme, “sort of” equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a doctorate.
Other plans include making TVET more accessible by introducing a one-stop application portal and a “skill university” without a fixed term schedule and racial quota that allows students from diverse backgrounds to enrol at any time, Sim said.
TVET NOT LIKE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
However, Sim cautioned that the moves are not meant to make TVET more akin to a university education, noting that the latter is not designed to meet current job demands.
“We have to rethink university. I think, essentially, university is for you to go (for) four years (of) deep thinking. Think about the meaning of life. What is love? What is pain? What is death? Where is God? Who is God?” he said.
“But industry may not necessarily benefit from such a model of training. Which is why the obsession with making TVET to be like university, I think we should change.”
Sim later clarified that a university education was still needed for such philosophical training, but not for current industrial needs.
“What I’m trying to say is this: If you are thinking the current university model will be able to fill your job market
New graduates from Sunway University celebrate at a convocation ceremony in February 2024. (Photo: Facebook/Sunway University)
demand, then you are delusional. Because universities … (are) not created for the industrialised world,” he added.
Sim then revealed he was also pursuing a level 5 TVET course in corporate leadership, as he invited 100 corporate, community and union leaders to join him in upskilling through TVET as the programme’s “ambassadors”.
Nevertheless, the minister acknowledged it was important to address the concerns of workers who might not have been in school for decades and are worried about upskilling.
“It’s so easy for us to talk about going for reskilling, but do we know the anxiety of workers? … I think we have to address that as well,” he added.
ADDRESSING UNDEREMPLOYMENT
Amirah Wan Usamah, a research associate at the Khazanah Research Institute, said a study conducted by
her institute last year on the career progression of Malaysia’s skilled labour found that TVET graduates had a higher employability rate than non-TVET graduates over the past several years.
“Additionally, when we look at degreelevel TVET graduates, there is a much higher proportion of them earning above RM5,000 compared to their non-TVET counterparts.
“So, we can see there is quite a high potential coming from TVET graduates, both in their employability and pay.”
According to last year’s TVET Graduate Employability Report, job placement for TVET graduates increased from 87 per cent in 2020 to 94.5 per cent in 2023.
Meanwhile, 3.7 per cent of the 5.92 million graduates in 2022, including degree and diploma holders, were unemployed, according to the Statistics Department.
Nvidia To Build AI Research, Data
Centres in Vietnam with Govt
Nvidia and the Vietnamese government will jointly set up an AI research and development centre and an AI data centre in the Southeast Asian country under an agreement signed on Thursday. Nvidia also said it has acquired healthcare startup VinBrain, a unit of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, but didn’t provide the value of the deal.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said during a visit to Hanoi a year ago that the artificial intelligence chipmaker wanted to expand its partnerships with Vietnam’s top tech firms and support the country in training talent for developing AI and digital infrastructure.
In April, Vietnamese tech firm FPT said it planned to build a $200 million artificial intelligence factory using Nvidia’s graphic chip and software.
US Imposing New Export Controls on Biotech Equipment Over China Concerns
The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday (Jan 15) it is imposing new export controls on biotechnology equipment and related technology because of national security concerns tied to artificial intelligence and data science.
The department said the laboratory equipment could be used for “human performance enhancement, brainmachine interfaces, biologically-inspired synthetic materials and possibly biological weapons”.
mass spectrometry equipment, which Commerce said can “generate highquality, high-content biological data, including that which is suitable for use to facilitate the development of AI and biological design tools”.
Thursday’s agreement between Nvidia and the Vietnamese government was signed in Hanoi in the presence of Huang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. They did not give financial details regarding the planned R&D centre and data centre.
Chinh said AI would boost growth and that Vietnam also wanted to use it to develop clean energy.
“We want to conquer not only AI, but also space and the ocean,” Chinh said. “AI will turn the sun, the wind and the waves into clean energy for us.”
Washington has raised concerns that China could use US technology to strengthen military capabilities and help design new weapons through AI
The new export controls, which restrict shipments to China and other countries without a US licence, are for highparameter flow cytometers and certain
This is the latest effort by Washington to restrict US technology to China. On Monday, Commerce moved to further restrict AI chip and technology exports from China aimed at helping the United States maintain its dominant status in AI by controlling it around the world.
US lawmakers have been considering a number of proposals to keep Americans’ personal health and genetic information from foreign adversaries and aim to push US pharmaceutical and biotech companies to lessen their reliance on China for everything from drug ingredient manufacturing to early research.
The logo of NVIDIA as seen at its corporate headquarters in Santa Clara, California, in May of 2022. Courtesy NVIDIA/Handout via REUTERS
Etron, Generalplus and Icatch Lead AI On Chip Innovations for Industrial Applications
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), businesses are racing to meet the demands of terminal AI applications to propel growth. The AI on Chip Industrial Cooperation Strategic Alliance aims to promote the industry by supporting member companies such as Etron Technology Generalplus Technology and iCatch Technology to develop innovative products engineered for a range of industrial applications.
Etron Technology has integrated its RPC memory interface controller into voice control and driver monitoring systems in cars. The company has also unveiled the MemorAiLink platform,
offering low-power, high-performance AI terminal solutions for the heterogeneous integration of various computing cores.
Generalplus Technology excels in driver monitoring systems (DMS), which comply with EU and Chinese regulations. By collecting extensive data and conducting rigorous field tests, the systems ensure optimal performance in any scenario.
iCatch Technology has recently launched the V2C multi-channel AI Internet of Vehicles (IoV) image analysis recorder, which has been available in the Japanese fleet market. The company’s sensor fusion technology gives vehicles full perception
capabilities, creating exciting new opportunities for applications in drones, robots and more.
Etron Technology, Generalplus Technology and iCatch Technology are all committed to innovation, striving to meet customer expectations and exploring new technology applications. Together, they are creating more opportunities within Taiwan’s AI industry and on the global stage.
For more information on excellent Taiwanese manufacturers, please contact us at service@ai-on-chip-b2bmatch.org. tw.
Singapore Empowers Seniors with Lora-Based Emergency Alert System
Semtech Corporation has announced that iWOW Technology has used Semtech’s LoRa technology and LoRaWAN for its battery powered wireless emergency alert system deployed in 10,000 public housing flats for seniors in Singapore since 2019. About 800 seniors have received emergency medical care by using the system.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts, one in six people globally will be aged 60 years or more by 2030. By 2050, this segment of the population will reach 2.1 billion, with the number of persons aged 80 years or older expected to reach 426 million.
Part of Singapore’s Ministry of Health Age Well SG programme to create better
living conditions for the country’s elderly, the emergency system will be extended to serve an additional 27,000 seniors housed in about 170 public rental housing blocks. A wall-mounted battery-powered red button is placed in various accessible locations in each flat. Pressing the button routes an emergency call to a 24-hour response center, while the associated app notifies the next of kin. The button is only activated in an emergency and otherwise does not use power or require that the resident have cellular service.
“Based on government programme requirements, these emergency devices had to be battery-powered, require minimal maintenance and consume little energy,” said JY Chen, the senior vice president at iWOW Technology.
“The network infrastructure also had to be cost-effective for the dense housing blocks. Using LoRa and LoRaWAN was the clear choice, especially with its capacity to support other IoT applications in the future.”
Shahar Feldman, the senior director of product marketing at Semtech, said, “IoT and smart home technologies can play a vital role in helping people age in place. iWOW’s successful deployment over the past five years proves the effectiveness of this model to empower independent living for seniors and deliver round-theclock emergency monitoring.” Source: www.iot-now.com
SICK and Endress+Hauser Start
Strategic Partnership for Process Automation
SICK, an international provider of sensor-based automation solutions headquartered in Germany, and the Swiss measurement technology specialist Endress+Hauser are starting their strategic partnership for process automation. Both companies are joining forces to better support their customers and advance new technological solutions for the decarbonization of the process industry.
Customers will now benefit from a broader product portfolio distributed from a single source via the global Endress+Hauser Sales Centers. The joint venture “Endress+Hauser SICK GmbH+Co. KG” will strengthen the development and production of analyzer and gas flow meter technologies, expanding the solution offerings. SICK is focusing on its core business of factory and logistics automation to meet the global
demand for automation and digitalization even better.
Start Of the Partnership for Process Customers Worldwide
After signing the contract in the summer of 2024 and a subsequent phase of preparation and antitrust review, the strategic partnership is now in effect.
Around 800 SICK employees in the global Sales and Service Units in 42 countries with a focus on “Cleaner Industries” transfer to Endress+Hauser. In the Endress+Hauser Sales Centers, they market product solutions in the field of analyzer and gas flow meter technologies to additional process customers worldwide, thus reaching new markets and opening new fields of application. For customers, this means that the familiar SICK contacts are available at Endress+Hauser for consulting, sales, and service of process automation solutions. The product portfolio for process automation is now available at here. Both partners place the highest priority on a seamless transition, continuous product availability and unchanged customer service quality.
The strategic partnership also includes the operation of a joint venture, which will strengthen and expand the range of process solutions for decarbonization. The “Endress+Hauser SICK GmbH+Co. KG” develops and produces product solutions for analyzer and gas flow meter
technologies with around 730 employees from the previous SICK “Cleaner Industries” business. The company’s gas flow meters make it possible to switch to low-emission and non-fossil energy sources, for example, and the process analyzers allow reliable monitoring of emissions. As part of the partnership, the product solutions manufactured there will now be marketed by Endress+Hauser. From March 1, 2025, SICK and Endress+Hauser will each hold 50 percent of the joint venture.
“We are pleased that the strategic partnership for process automation is now starting. Together, we can better support customers worldwide and guide them into a sustainable future with leading technological solutions. We are convinced that the transformation of the process industry offers enormous opportunities for growth and development, which we will optimally leverage as strong partners,” said Dr. Mats Gökstorp, chairman of the Executive Board of SICK AG.
“This partnership is a perfect match. It creates new opportunities for growth and development, particularly in the sustainable transformation of the process industry. By joining forces, we offer added value to our customers. Our combined efforts will make us faster and ultimately more successful than if we acted alone. In this case, one and one equals more than two,” said Dr. Peter Selders, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group.
Thanks To Employees
Both CEOs express their gratitude to the employees on both sides who made this partnership possible. “Above all, we thank all the employees who have made the process automation business strong with their expertise and commitment and will continue this success story with the strategic partnership,” Gökstorp said.
“We look forward to working with the people joining us and the joint venture to build something new and make this partnership a success,” Selders said.
Even Stronger for Customers in Factory and Logistics Automation
Since its founding in 1946, SICK’s core business has been in factory and logistics automation, which accounts for more than 80 percent of sales. This area remains unaffected by the strategic partnership in process automation, and customers can be even better served due to a stronger focus. Automation is crucial for industrial companies to secure their productivity despite limited resources. Industrial automation, which increases productivity through artificial intelligence and the digital networking of production and supply chains, requires sensor solutions.
SICK focuses on its core competencies in factory and logistics automation, such as protecting people with intelligent safety solutions, freeing them from repetitive
tasks, making the manufacturing of goods more resource-efficient, or making logistics processes fast and transparent. The leading SICK solution portfolio enables higher productivity and better quality in industrial tasks. With customer requirements in mind, SICK combines sensor and AI technology to offer innovative solutions, such as AI-based camera sensors.
The existing product and solution portfolios of SICK and Endress+Hauser are complementary and leading in their fields of application. Endress+Hauser is a global leader in measurement and automation technology for process and laboratory applications. The family company, headquartered in Reinach, Switzerland, achieved net sales of more than 3.7 billion euros in 2023 with a total workforce of almost 17,000. Its own sales companies in more than 50 countries as well as representatives in another 70 countries ensure competent support.
SICK and Endress+Hauser Start Strategic Partnership for Process Automation
Siemens Xcelerator: Eplan and Siemens Enable Data Interoperability in Machine Engineering
Siemens and Eplan will make engineering and production processes for customers in machine and line building more efficient. This will be achieved when companies significantly expand data interoperability between their offerings. The automated interaction between Siemens’ Teamcenter X software, TIA Portal, Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Pro Panel makes engineering information available right on Eplan and vice-versa. Customers will benefit from
a more efficient tool chain for machine and line engineering, making electrical engineering much faster and less prone to errors.
Accelerating The Digital Transformation with Siemens Xcelerator
This collaboration expands Siemens’ and Eplan’s partner ecosystems. The
Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform creates a powerful ecosystem of partners that’s accelerating the digital and sustainable transformation of industry. Eplan customers are benefiting from the extended collaboration via the Eplan Partner Network.
“The partnership between Siemens and Eplan is a milestone in digital engineering. The optimized data exchange enables
customers to realize their projects in construction, operation and expansion faster and more efficiently,” said Cedrik Neike, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries. “With this collaboration we’re strengthening our Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem and are creating more value for our customers than each of us could individually.”
Eplan CEO Sebastian Seitz added: “With this collaboration, Eplan and Siemens are bringing together their extensive experience in machine engineering to provide our joint customers with an endto-end engineering tool chain. This makes engineering processes much faster and less prone to errors.”
The collaboration between the two companies was agreed on by Cedrik Neike
Source: www.automation.com
and Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh, owner and chairman of Friedhelm Loh Group, at the SPS trade show (Eplan is part of the Friedhelm Loh Group). The improved offerings will become successively available to customers beginning next year.
Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh, owner and chairman of Friedhelm Loh Group and Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries sealed the agreement at SPS. This is shown in the photo above.
Siemens Xcelerator: Eplan and Siemens Enable Data Interoperability in Machine Engineering
AI Robots Are Entering the Public World—With Mixed Results
They’re terrible cocktail party guests but operators say the potential of what robots can do is growing
Robots are stepping out. Once relegated to factories and warehouses, nextgeneration robots are popping up in public spaces—from retail stores to museums— cleaning, cooking and even conversing with humans.
Improvements in “brainpower,” most notably the adoption of the technology behind ChatGPT, and a surge of investment are helping drive their public debut and 2025 could be a turning point in what robots can do.
Operators say they expect to deploy more public-facing robots. The robotics and drone sector in 2024 had attracted about $12.8 billion in venture-capital dollars by mid-December, up from $11.6 billion in all of 2023, according to analytics firm PitchBook.
While operators are excited about new GenAI-powered capabilities, they are mindful that this next generation of robots won’t excel at every human interaction without some stumbles.
Make that many stumbles.
“Some things which are very easy for people are very hard for robots,” said David Pinn, chief executive of Brain Corp, which provides software for automated floor-cleaning and inventory management robots used at retailers like Sam’s Club
Even something as simple as picking up an arbitrary object and moving it “is a really hard problem in the world of robotics,” he said.
Traditionally, robots rely on code that tells them how to execute functions or react to specific scenarios. Variability of what they could do was more or less
encounter an obstacle, understand what certain objects are even if they’ve never seen them before, and, critically, take commands in human language, said Marc Segura, president of the robotics division at ABB a Zurich-based automation provider
Conversation is a big factor as robots move further into human spaces. Will Jackson, founder and CEO of robotics company Engineered Arts, believes that sectors like hospitality and entertainment are ripe for the introduction of robots that not only talk like humans but look like them as well.
limited to the specific actions they were trained on.
At health system Houston Methodist, Chief Innovation Officer Roberta Schwartz discovered that robots designed to carry out a number of tasks, from checking fire extinguishers to carrying towels, often bumped into objects and got easily confused by elevators.
Robots that will operate in human spaces will need better dexterity and the ability to circumvent obstacles—both areas that generative AI, the technology behind many of today’s chatbots, could help with.
“You can train the robot through massive data sets to be able to achieve this kind of dexterity, that until now has only been achievable by our own labor,” said Brain Corp’s Pinn.
Generative AI could give robots the ability to plan and replan their tasks if they
Several AI models power the speech of his company’s robots at entertainment venue the Sphere in Las Vegas and at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif., where they provide information to visitors and also entertain them.
As Engineered Arts integrates more AI, the robots will become better, more natural conversationalists, Jackson said. For example, while they’re fairly good at conversing one-on-one, they’re not great at “cocktail party” scenarios involving a group of people.
When it makes its scheduled debut in February at founder Elizabeth Truong’s
“Your conversation, your interaction, gestures, impressions, should be so natural, so intuitive, so obvious, that you immerse in that and you forget entirely that you’re actually talking to a machine,” Jackson said.
restaurant in Los Gatos, Calif., a machine made out of ABB components won’t hold a conversation, but it will certainly entertain. Truong said the robot will slice vegetables and assemble the various pieces of a hamburger in the open restaurant kitchen.
BurgerBots’ robot doesn’t yet have a generative AI component, but Truong said that it could be a big unlock for another reason as well: giving diners the option to shout out their orders rather than type them in at a kiosk.
In addition to pushing robots beyond factories and warehouses, GenAI is supercharging the robots within them.
Anthony Middleton, engineering design lead for warehouses at PepsiCo’s Europe division, said the company currently has about 30 automated guided vehicles, which follow fixed paths, and autonomous mobile robots, which move more freely, in Europe. That could increase 10-fold in the next five years, he said, as the unit looks to boost its budget to $50 million during that period, Middleton said.
A major impetus is financial savings from reduced head count, Middleton said, but there are also other benefits like better service levels and increased safety when work is being done by robots rather than humans.
Middleton believes that better, GenAIpowered systems for helping robots navigate around warehouses could help make 2025 a tipping point.
“We are about to see a huge boom,” he said.
An ABB robot at a Solebox store in Berlin picks shoes selected by customers. Photo: ABB
Ameca, a humanoid robot from Engineered Arts. Photo: Engineered Arts
Cosmos Marks Another Masterful Stroke for Nvidia in AI Robotics
At what was likely the most widely attended keynote in CES history, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang took to the stage at the jam-packed Michelob Ultra arena, with a dizzying array of announcements of new technologies, from consumer devices like the new GeForce RTX 50 Series of gaming graphics cards, to a new secure autonomous vehicle platform called Thor that’s based on the company’s latest Blackwell GPU technology, and more – a lot more. However, a new Nvidia generative AI technology dubbed Cosmos, that some folks might have glossed over due to its complexity was, in my opinion, another star of the show. I’d even dare say, if Cosmos plays out as the company is intending, it could be a launch-pad for rocketing Nvidia’s robotics and autonomous vehicle businesses.
Understanding Nvidia Cosmos for Physical AI
Nvidia calls Cosmos a “platform for accelerating physical AI development.”
And Simply put, you can think of physical AI as the brains behind anything robotic, whether it’s humanoid robots that are designed to optimally navigate the world we live in, factory automation robots, or autonomous vehicles, which are optimized robots for navigating our roads, carrying humans or various payloads. However, training robotic AI is hugely labor and resource-intensive, often requiring the capture, labeling and categorization of millions of hours human interaction in real world environments, or millions of miles driven on real roadways around the world.
Nvidia Cosmos aims to partially solve this resource problem with a family of what the company is calling “World Foundational Models,” or AI neural networks that can generate accurate physics-aware videos for the future state of a virtual environment – or a multiverse, if you will. You can go ahead and queue Dr. Strange now, and Jensen even referred to the Marvel character in his keynote presentation. It all sounds mindbendingly deep, but it’s actually fairly straightforward. WFMs are similar to Large Language Models, but where LLMs are trained AI models for natural language recognition, generation, translation, etc., WFMs utilize text, images, video content and movement data to generate simulated virtual worlds and virtual world interactions that have accurate spatial awareness, physics and physical interaction, and even object permanence. For example, if a bolt rolls off a table in a factory, and can’t be seen in the current camera view, the AI model knows it’s still there but perhaps just on the floor.
Still with me? Good, because this is where it gets even more interesting. This new form of synthetic data generation to train physical AI, or robots, needs to be based on ground truth to be accurate. In other words, bad data in means a corrupt model that hallucinates or is otherwise unreliable for generating training data for robotic AI. That’s where Nvidia Omniverse, which the company announced a couple of years ago, comes into play.
Is Cosmos Another CUDA Moment For Nvidia?
Nvidia’s Omniverse digital twin operating system allows companies and developers from virtually any industry to simulate products, factories, robots, vehicles, etc. in an environment that’s designed to connect with industry standard tools, from computer aided design, to animation and more. In fact, Nvidia unveiled new Omniverse “Blueprints” at CES 2025 as well, to help developers in simulating robot fleets for factories and warehouses (called Mega), and AV simulation, spatial streaming to the Apple Vision Pro headset for large-scale industrial digital twins, and real-time Computer Aided Engineering and physics visualization. The company bundles these with free instructional courses for OpenUSD, or Universal Scene Description, which is the language that underpins Omniverse and allows the integration of industry standard tools and content. Nvidia announced several major players are adopting its Omniverse platform, from Cadence for EDA design tools for semiconductors, to Altair and Ansys for computational fluid dynamics, among many others.
Circling back to Cosmos, now we can see Nvidia’s full stack solution coming together for physical AI in robotics. Cosmos models take input from a digitized version of the real world, and then generate AI training content from it.
Though Cosmos models were developed from training on 20 million hours of video data, according to Huang in his keynote address, developers that want to train physical or robotic AI on their own digital twins and their own data can simulate in Omniverse, and then let Cosmos play out a myriad of synthetic realities that these robot AIs can then train on.
At this point, I know what you’re thinking. Training robots on simulated data and in simulated worlds, what could go wrong? There’s no question, this technology is still in its infancy, but as the old saying goes, you have to start somewhere. The beauty of machine learning, though it’s prone to hallucinations and needs to have guardrails (which Nvidia has a welldocumented tools and policies on), is that you can train and keep training until you’re confident you’ve got it right. And the machine doesn’t sleep or take coffee breaks, not to mention it’s a whole lot more efficient than manually training an AI on human generated and categorized content.
That said, years ago, when Nvidia first announced its CUDA programming language that sparked the age of machine learning on GPU accelerators, the company went Johnny Appleseed, so to speak, making its tools available to developers from all walks of life, eventually allowing it to become the de-facto standard for accelerating AI workloads in the data center. With Cosmos, Nvidia is once again making these generative AI World Foundational Models available to
Cosmos Is Built to Interface with Nvidia Omniverse Digital Twins
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang On Stage At Company Keynote, CES 2025 In Las Vegas, NV
Nvidia’s Huang Details Application of Cosmos AI World Foundational Training Models for Robotics
Nvidia’s Depiction of What the Machine See in A Cosmos Model-Generated Training Simulation
developers for free, under its open model license, and they’re accessible on Hugging Face or the company’s own NGC catalog repositories. The models will also soon be available as optimized Nvidia Inference Microservices (or NIMs), all of which will be accelerated on its DGX data center AI platforms and at AI edge devices, in robots and autonomous vehicles, with its AGX Drive Orin and Thor car computer platforms for autonomous vehicles. Or, as Huang and the company call it, Nvidia’s “Robotics 3 Computer Solution.”
seriously powerful new tools for physical AI developers, and for free. I personally think it’s another master stroke for Jensen Huang and his band of AI wizards. We’ll have to see just how far this robotic AI, multiverse rabbit hole goes with Cosmos, and it should be fascinating to watch.
About writer: Dave Altavilla is Principal Analyst and Co-Founder of HotTech Vision And Analysis, as well as Editor In Chief of HotHardware.com. He has been a Forbes Senior Contributor for over a decade. He covers semiconductors and adjacent technologies, including AI, client computing, cloud data centers, mobile compute, automotive tech and chip design and fabrication. He has lived and breathed chips and computing for over 30 years, previously as a semiconductor sales engineer and global account manager. In tandem, he has also served as a journalist and technology analyst for multiple publications including Forbes, Computer World, Schwab Network, Fox Business and a tech and sciences focused web magazine he founded decades ago called HotHarware. com. Some of companies Dave tracks may be clients of his analyst firm HotTech. Follow Altavilla for detailed coverage of all things computing, semiconductors, AI and related technologies from the cloud to the intelligent edge.
Nvidia notes that several big-name players in physical AI have already adopted Cosmos, from humanoid robot companies like 1X and XPENG, to Hillbot and SkildAI for general purpose bots, to rideshare giant, Uber, that’s using Cosmos in combination with its massive driving datasets to help build AI models for the AV industry.
It might be a stretch to call this another “CUDA moment” for Nvidia, but the world’s leader in AI just dropped some
Singapore Robotics Firm Raises $10.5m Series A
Singapore-based robotics startup Eureka Robotics has completed a US$10.5 million series A funding round.
B Capital led the round, with Airbus Ventures, Maruka Corporation, G. K. Goh Ventures, UTEC, and ATEQ also participating.
The newly raised funds will be used to enhance its main products: the Eureka Controller and Eureka 3D Camera.
The company plans to boost its presence in markets such as Singapore and Japan while also expanding into the United States.
Recent Robotics Developments
05-Nov-2024
Robotics startup secures $400m from Bezos, Open AI
• Physical Intelligence secures $400M funding.
• Valuation rises to $2.4B with Bezos, OpenAI backing.
05-Jun-2024
Robotics firm by NTU graduates raises $5.2m to bolster software offering
• Botsync focuses on software for automation systems.
• Secured $5.2M to enhance SyncOS and expand markets.
21-Dec-2023
Robotics firm GreyOrange bags $135m in series D funds
• 75% of firms to adopt automation by 2027
• GreyOrange raises $135M for global expansion efforts
15-Feb-2021
Robotics firm GreyOrange bags $135m in series D funds
• Ratio raises $10M for robotic cafes expansion
• Plans to boost engineering teams and R&D capabilities
01-Jul-2020
Robotics startup Botsync raises seed funding to automate supply chains
• Botsync secures seed funding to expand robot tech
• Focus on logistics and manufacturing to reduce costs
04-Oct-2019
Robotics startup Geek+ is leading China’s push into smart logistics
• Geek+ leads China’s logistics robot market
• New factory aims for 10,000 robots annually
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Stage at CES 2025, Describing The Company’s 3 Computer Solution For Robotics
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Hold Company’s New AGX Drive Thor Autonomous Vehicle Platform Based on Its Blackwell GPU Tech
Robots Leading Malaysia’s Farming Future
The govt collaborates with research universities to develop local expertise and technologies
AGRICULTURE, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy and food security, is undergoing a digital revolution to pave the way for enhanced productivity, precision and sustainability.
Amid Malaysia’s expected economic growth of 4.9% in 2024, according to the World Bank’s forecast, advancing agricultural technologies like robotics presents a dual opportunity in addressing labour shortages and driving efficiency in a sector vital to the nation’s resilience and self-sufficiency.
Agriculture and Food Security
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said agricultural robots are becoming a transformative solution in Malaysia,
reshaping traditional farming practices by autonomously performing repetitive and precision-based tasks.
“These advancements reduce labour costs, enhance productivity and improve crop yields. For instance, robots are being developed locally for pest and weed monitoring, pesticide spraying and aquaculture tasks like pond monitoring and harvesting.
“Specific examples include robotic aquarium cleaners at the Fisheries Research Institute in Batu Maung, Penang, and robotic sensors at the Tapah Aquaculture Extension Centre in Tapah, Perak,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
Addressing the financial implications of adopting robotic technology, he explained the potential for significant cost savings.
“Robots can replace human labour in tasks such as weeding and chemical spraying, reducing labour expenses. Equipped with cameras and sensors, robots also minimise pesticide waste by targeting applications only where necessary.
“While high initial costs due to imported technologies remain a barrier, the development of home-grown solutions can mitigate these expenses. Local expertise ensures better after-sales support and customisations suited to Malaysia’s unique agricultural needs.”
Mohamad Sabu added that robotic systems in aquaculture help reduce manpower and energy consumption, yielding further cost savings.
The policy aims to establish a sustainable, resilient and high-technology agri-food sector by promoting smart agriculture, research and development and sustainable practices.
Mohamad Sabu mentioned the country is still in the early stages of adopting agricultural robotics compared to other nations.
Niaz, who is also an associate fellow of the Universiti Malaya Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), added that Wootzano’s post-harvest robotic packing system uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to handle fruits and vegetables with precision, ensuring optimal quality.
Training and education are crucial for farmers to operate and maintain robotic systems, says Niaz (Pic courtesy of Niaz)
To support farmers in overcoming challenges like high upfront costs and technical knowledge gaps, he explained that the government provides various forms of assistance.
“Matching grants, low-interest loans via Bank Pertanian Malaysia Bhd and tax incentives aim to ease the financial burden of adopting robotic systems.”
Furthermore, Mohamad Sabu mentioned that the government collaborates with research institutes and universities to develop local expertise and technologies.
“Significant investments are also being made to upgrade infrastructure, including transitioning from 4G to 5G in industrial areas to facilitate technology integration,” he said.
On the topic of sustainable farming, Mohamad Sabu commented on the critical role of robotics in enhancing efficiency and minimising environmental impact.
He said by reducing pesticide usage and improving resource management, robotics aligns with the goals outlined in the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030.
But through active collaboration between the government, academia and industry players, Malaysia is steadily catching up.
“Hence, a whole-of-government approach to foster innovation and promote technology adoption in the sector, paving the way for a sustainable and technologydriven future in agriculture,” he said.
Economist and South-East Asia Lead of the Global Labour Organisation Prof Niaz Asadullah said Malaysia, despite having one of the lowest robot densities in East Asia, is stepping into the future of agriculture with robotic innovations designed to tackle ageing farmers and an oversupply of foreign labour.
He noted emerging technologies like Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) and fruit-picking robots are transforming traditional farming practices, driven by enterprises such as Malaysia-based Meraque Group Sdn Bhd and the UK’s Wootzano Ltd.
Meraque recently launched the Robotic Agro in Complex Environment (Race), Malaysia’s first AGV tailored for complex agricultural terrains.
It autonomously navigates plantations, performing tasks such as spraying and monitoring. This reduces reliance on manual labour and significantly cuts costs.
Sime Darby Bhd’s subsidiary, SD Guthrie Bhd, is also investing heavily in robotics to enhance palm oil plantation management.
Niaz said the benefits of agricultural robots are multifaceted. Robots like Race offer continuous operation, covering more ground than human workers, which translates into substantial labour cost savings.
“Productivity also sees a boost, with robots delivering higher yields and better-quality produce through precision farming.
“Technologies like these not only reduce waste but also improve market readiness, making farming more efficient and sustainable.”
Looking ahead, Syed Zaini anticipates a future where robotics and AI play a central role in transforming agriculture (Pic courtesy of Syed Zaini)
Drones target specific areas, minimising waste and optimising resource application
Niaz added that long term, robots could rejuvenate the farming industry by attracting younger generations and making farming technologically appealing.
However, despite their potential, he explained integrating robotics into agriculture is not without challenges. High upfront costs and limited access to capital deter smallholders from investing in these technologies.
Additionally, technical knowledge gaps hinder effective adoption. Niaz explained training and education are crucial for equipping farmers to operate and maintain robotic systems.
“Infrastructure limitations further complicate rural adoption, potentially widening the gap between urban and rural farming programmes.”
According to Niaz, robotic advancements are driving precision agriculture by
enabling targeted interventions in crop health and soil management. Automation also enhances resource efficiency, reducing water usage, energy consumption and chemical dependency.
T-Robot Sdn Bhd ED Syed Zaini Putra Aljamalullail Syed Yusoff said the development of industrial linear robots starts with identifying the system’s primary purpose.
This, in turn, determines the design of its end-effector — the component responsible for tasks such as transferring plants or products, monitoring crop performance, or spraying solutions in agricultural settings.
“Our linear robotics systems consist of three major elements: The mechanical part, which includes the body structure, motor and actuator; the electrical and electro-components like sensors and wiring; and the control system for programming and operation.
A project aimed at improving semiautomatic peat block production with electronically controlled hydraulic actuating systems significantly enhanced efficiency and quality.
He said previously, creating one crate of peat blocks manually took five minutes, with an integrity rate of 80% and a high rejection rate. After implementing the semi-automatic system, productivity increased by 15%, reducing the production time to three minutes per crate with a 95% integrity rate.
This shift not only increased output but also reduced material waste, showcasing the potential of robotics to revolutionise agriculture.
Moreover, Syed Zaini explained that adopting robotics in agriculture requires adequate training and support.
practices, offering enhanced precision and efficiency.
“Our hybrid-powered drones, which combine electric and fuel technologies, allow for extended flight times, covering larger areas with fewer recharges.
“This capability not only saves time but significantly increases operational efficiency across vast fields,” she said.
With global positioning systems, AI and sensors integrated into drones, precision agriculture is now more achievable than ever.
Drones target specific areas, minimising waste and optimising resource application.
For example, they can spray fertilisers or pesticides only where needed, reducing environmental impact while improving crop yield.
fertiliser, and pesticides accordingly.
This approach helps reduce waste, lower costs and ultimately leads to more sustainable farming practices.
Meraque’s AGV technology further automates farm tasks. The robotic system, known as Race, is capable of spraying pesticides and navigating between rows of crops autonomously, significantly reducing manual labour.
“Race not only cuts down labour costs but also improves the consistency and accuracy of pesticide application in oil palm plantations,” Suria said.
Suria also explained its central role in decision-making.
“Most of these systems are Internet of Things (IoT)-based, enabling real-time monitoring from anywhere,” he said.
Syed Zaini added one example: Using robotic systems equipped with camera vision for crop monitoring.
The system can capture real-time data on crops, like tomatoes, by manoeuvring its end-effector to pre-declared positions. This data is stored in a cloud-based system, where it undergoes analysis for AI-driven predictive insights.
For instance, by analysing the stored data, farmers can predict the future condition of crops and take preventive actions early. This helps farmers not only increase productivity but also improve the overall health of their crops.
Syed Zaini mentioned a case study highlighting the transformative impact of their robotic solutions.
“We provide training on Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics and automation, IoT, AI, and productivity. Most agropreneurs start with digitisation, then gradually adopt IoT and AI to optimise their operations.”
Looking ahead, he anticipates a future where robotics and AI play a central role in transforming agriculture.
Electrical farm robots with interchangeable tools, soft robot grasping technologies and advanced sensors will support sustainable agricultural practices, improve manufacturing productivity and ensure food security while AI applications enhance crop yields and drive economic efficiency in the agri-food sector.
Meraque COO Suria Affandi said its drone-powered solutions, like Drone Spraying and Drone Agriculture Mapping, have revolutionised farming
Meraque’s innovations extend to Digitised Precision Terracing, a technology designed to maximise arable land, especially in challenging terrains.
By using drone mapping and light detection and ranging, the company creates highly accurate topographic maps that help farmers plan efficient terraces, transforming previously unusable slopes into fertile, flat areas.
This approach not only increases land use but also improves crop yields through better water retention and erosion control.
Additionally, the integration of IoT Smart Farming technologies empowers farmers to manage crops and resources more effectively.
Through data collected from sensors, farmers can monitor specific crop needs and adjust resource usage like water,
“Real-time data from drones and IoT systems gives farmers immediate insights into the health of their crops, soil conditions, and even weather patterns. This allows for timely interventions and more informed decisions.”
Real-time
data from drones and IoT systems gives farmers immediate insights into the health of their crops, says Suria (Pic courtesy of Suria)
Southeast Asia Launches First Robotic Cardiac Surgery Procedure, A Collaboration with St. Luke’s Medical Center
In a landmark achievement for healthcare in Southeast Asia, St. Luke’s Medical Center has launched the region’s first robotic cardiac surgery program. This historic initiative was made possible through a collaborative effort between St. Luke’s multidisciplinary team, led by Drs. Marvin Martinez and Ramiro Pablo, and the expert team from West Virginia University’s (WVU) Heart and Vascular Institute, including Dr. Vinay Badhwar, Dr. Lawrence Wei, and physician assistant Herald Fe.
The program debuted with a series of innovative robotic-assisted cardiac procedures, showcasing the transformative potential of this advanced technology. Among the groundbreaking surgeries performed were:
• Robotic MIDCAB (Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass)
• Robotic bileaflet mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to bileaflet myxomatous disease
• Robotic mitral valve repair for endocarditis, including anterior mitral leaflet perforation
• Robotic adult congenital atrial septal reconstruction using a bovine patch for a patient with a common atrium
• Robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) for a patient from Papua New Guinea
The first robotic valve surgery—a repair of a severely regurgitant mitral valve in a 40-year-old patient—marked a defining moment in the program’s success.
With guidance from WVU’s Heart and Vascular Institute, the procedure was completed with precision and excellence, underscoring the collaboration’s impact.
Dr. Pablo expressed his excitement, saying, “This is a monumental step forward for cardiac care in Southeast Asia.
Our partnership with the WVU team has empowered us to provide patients with less invasive, highly precise procedures and faster recoveries.”
Dr. Martinez added, “Establishing this robotic cardiac surgery program has been a dream realized through our team’s dedication and the invaluable expertise
of our WVU partners. This is just the beginning of a new era in cardiac care.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Badhwar remarked, “Teamwork truly makes the dream work. The exceptional multidisciplinary team at St. Luke’s has shown that vision, determination, and collaboration can achieve extraordinary outcomes.”
St. Luke’s Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program is set to advance care across the region, offering minimally invasive options that reduce pain, recovery time, and the risk of complications.
AI Does Not Mean the Robots Are Coming
likely to end up just as disappointed as those who backed Pepper.
Pepper, detecting whether people are wearing face masks and if not, instructs them to wear them, is displayed at SoftBank Robotics in Paris as COVID-19 continues to spread across France, Sep 8, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes)
The technology will transform existing machines, such as cars, long before it allows the creation of androids, says Robin Harding for the Financial Times.
Pepper the humanoid robot was born in 2014. It enjoyed a brief wave of hype, including a visit to the Financial Times to meet the editor.
“This is a robot that behaves autonomously, powered by love,” declared Masayoshi Son, the head of its main backer, SoftBank. Alibaba and Foxconn also invested hundreds of millions in the effort to make robotics a ubiquitous part of daily life
Yet it was not to be. You still find the occasional Pepper in a public library in Japan, unplugged, its head bowed, like a four-foot tall Pinocchio that dreamt of becoming a real boy but never did. Production halted in 2021 and only 27,000 units were ever made.
NEW WAVE OF ENTHUSIASM FOR ROBOTICS
Yet the vision of humanoid robotsof machines so like ourselves they can perform all the work we do not want to - is too alluring to abandon for long. The recent, dramatic advances in artificial intelligence have spurred a new wave of enthusiasm for robotics.
“The next wave of artificial intelligence (AI) is physical AI. AI that understands the laws of physics, AI that can work among us,” said Jensen Huang, chief executive of chip designer Nvidia, earlier this year. Nvidia has ridden the boom in training AI models to become the world’s secondlargest company by market capitalisation.
Billions of dollars in venture capital are pouring into robotics start-ups. They aim to apply the same kind of model training techniques that let computers forecast how a protein will fold or generate startling realistic text.
They aim, first, to let robots understand what they see in the physical world, and second, to interact with it naturally, solving the huge programming task embodied in as simple an action as picking up and manipulating an object.
Such is the dream. The latest round of investors and entrepreneurs, however, are
That is not because AI is not useful. Rather, it is because the obstacles to making an economically viable robot that can cook dinner and clean the toilets are a matter of hardware, not just software, and AI does not in itself address, let alone resolve them.
PHYSICAL CHALLENGES
These physical challenges are many and difficult. For example, a human arm or leg is moved by muscles, whereas a robotic limb must be actuated by motors. Each axis of motion through which the limb must move requires more motors.
All of this is doable, as the robotic arms in factories demonstrate, but the high-performance motors, gears and transmissions involved create bulk, cost, power requirements and multiple components that can and will break down.
After creating the desired motion, there is the challenge of sensing and feedback. If you pick up a piece of fruit, for example, then the human nerves in your hand will tell you how soft it feels and how hard you can afford to squeeze it. You can taste whether food is cooked and smell whether it is burning.
None of those senses is easy to provide for a robot, and to the extent they are possible, they add more cost. Machine vision and AI may compensate, by observing whether the fruit is squashed or the food in the pan has gone the right colour, but they are an imperfect substitute.
Then there is the issue of power. Any autonomous machine needs its own energy source. The robot arms in factories are plugged into the mains. They cannot
move around. A humanoid robot is most likely to use a battery, but then there are trade-offs with bulk, power, strength, flexibility, operating time, usable life and cost.
These are just some of the problems. Many clever people are working to solve them and they are making progress.
But the point is that these are physical challenges, long-standing and difficult.
Even a revolution in AI does not make them go away.
HOW AI WILL CHANGE EXISTING MACHINES
What, then, does AI make possible in the physical world? Rather than imagine how the technology will allow new machines, it is more practical to imagine how existing machines will change once AI is applied to them.
The obvious example is self-driving vehicles. In this case, the machine does not need to change at all: A car’s movement through the physical world and its power source will work as they always have, while the sensing involved in driving a car is almost entirely visual.
With the new vogue for AI, the hype cycle for autonomous vehicles has died
down. It should actually be the opposite: Self-driving is a vast market and it is the real-world challenge AI can most easily tackle, a point that anybody tempted to invest in other applications to robotics should ponder.
It also makes sense to think about how the robots that already exist - from industrial robotic arms to robot vacuum cleanerswill evolve. AI-powered machine vision will subtly increase the range of tasks a robotic arm can perform and make it safer for them to work alongside humans.
Lightweight, single-purpose devices such as robot vacuum cleaners will gradually become more useful. In Chinese hotels, for example, it is already quite common to have a robot bring deliveries to your room. That kind of limited and controlled autonomy is the most easily delivered.
In this way, AI will slowly advance us closer to androids. As for a robot like Pepper that can clean the toilet - sadly it is far easier to make one that writes bad poetry, and that is unlikely to change any time soon.
Micron Bets $7 Billion On Singapore as AI’s New Semiconductor Powerhouse with Game-Changing HBM Technology
Micron Technology has announced a significant investment of US$7 billion to build a state-of-the-art semiconductor packaging facility in Woodlands, northern Singapore.
According to a Techgoondu report, the facility, set to commence operations in 2026, will focus on packaging highbandwidth memory (HBM) chips— critical components in the rapidly growing AI industry.
“That’s bigger than today’s entire DRAM market,” said Mehrotra, emphasizing the crucial role HBM will play in driving the AI revolution.
Singapore’s Strategic Role in The Semiconductor Supply Chain
The new Micron facility highlights Singapore’s growing importance in the global semiconductor supply chain.
As a major player in semiconductor production, Singapore accounts for one in 10 chips and one in five pieces of semiconductor equipment worldwide.
This latest development underscores the country’s strategic position as a hub for high-tech manufacturing, attracting significant investments in R&D and production.
Commitment To Sustainability and Technological Innovation
In line with its global sustainability goals, Micron’s new facility will be a “green” plant equipped with advanced environmental features such as greenhouse gas abatement systems and water recycling technologies.
The company aims to achieve LEED certification, ensuring the facility is environmentally responsible and energyefficient. AI-powered automation will further optimize operations, contributing to lower resource usage and reduced waste.
This commitment to green technology is part of Micron’s broader vision to innovate sustainably while meeting the
Source: www.theindependent.sg
immense computing and memory needs of AI, gaming, augmented reality, and simulation applications.
The compact and high-performance nature of HBM chips makes them indispensable in the future of AI, offering the speed, capacity, and low latency
required for training AI models and powering inference engines.
The facility’s opening in 2026 will bolster Micron’s technological edge and solidify Singapore’s position as a critical player in the global AI and semiconductor boom.
Micron’s investment will directly contribute to Singapore’s continued growth in this sector, creating 1,400 jobs initially, with plans to expand to 3,000 as operations ramp up.
The new plant will also reinforce Singapore’s role in powering AI accelerators and cutting-edge devices, offering a steady supply of advanced memory solutions to meet the escalating global demand.
Real-Time Vibration Monitoring Using Node-RED and Grafana via OPC UA
There will always be a level of vibration when machines are in operation, but the intensity of the vibrations may increase significantly over time due to incorrect alignment or imbalance. Pepperl+Fuchs’ vibration sensors reliably detect any changes in these measured values, allowing preventive maintenance to be undertaken before any costly damage or failures occur
From milling machines and pumps to fans and wind turbines, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.
In order to perform reliable measurements of vibration velocity and acceleration in low- or highfrequency ranges, Pepperl+Fuchs offers three robust vibration sensor series in many environments to prevent untimely breakdowns. The sensors come with analog or IO-Link interfaces, along with global approvals for hazardous areas up to Zone 1/21 and Div. 2, ensuring optimum plant availability and process safety, as well as certifications for functional safety SIL 1/ PL c and SIL 2/PL d—meeting the highest safety requirements.
Three Designs for Various Requirements
The vibration sensors by Pepperl+Fuchs feature a particularly large measuring range, capable of measuring vibrations up to 128 mm/s. With encapsulated electronics in a rugged, these sensors stand out due to their maintenance-free operation and particularly long service life.
The VIM3 sensors are the smallest vibration sensors in the series, suited for basic and less complex applications. The analog version is optionally approved for SIL 1/PL applications and includes a switching output, which allows direct indication of a critical vibration limit.
The vibration sensor with IO-Link interface, VIM3*IO*, provides a wide range of measurement values and output data. Values are transmitted cyclically to the controller via the process data, providing in-depth, continuous analysis of the machine’s current condition. This ensures predictive maintenance, enabling plant operators to take appropriate maintenance actions promptly. The wide range of information issued via the sensor includes temperature data, vibration measurements, operating-hours counter, and measurement scaling, enabling data
Data Storage Function for Simple Commissioning
Real-Time Vibration Monitoring
to be interpreted remotely. In addition, the following measured values are transmitted:
Vibration speed (RMS in mm/s) up to 128 mm/s
Vibration acceleration (RMS in g) up to 34 g
Maximum vibration acceleration (peak in g) up to 48 g
Temperature
Crest factor scaled according to DIN ISO 13373-3
Bearing status parameter
Individual Modification via IO-Link Communication
Hardly any machine is the same as another, so the sensors must meet very specific requirements to ensure reliable monitoring. The Pepperl+Fuchs vibration sensor offers customizable parameters that can be modified via IOLink communication. One example is the adjustment of the frequency range to be monitored and the vibration threshold levels related to machine maintenance cycles. Settings can also be input for critical limits for each type of measured value.
The numerous customizable parameters of the VIM3*IO* can be optimally adapted to the specific machine properties via IO-Link communication. The settings can be executed either directly in the field or offline, using a desktop configuration. When customizations are made to the sensor, they are saved as a configuration in the IO-Link master together with a sensor device type ID. If the sensor ever needs to be replaced, the saved configuration is automatically transferred to the new device for quick and easy changeover. Another feature enabled by the use of IO-Link is that the default setting can be copied from one device to other devices, facilitating quick and efficient commissioning of other devices in the plant.
Frequency Domain Analysis Through BLOB Data Transfer
The sensor can be configured to perform raw data recording. The recorded timedomain data can be retrieved by BLOB transfer to the user’s computer for further frequency domain analysis. Frequency domain provides a holistic view of the general health of the monitored machine, facilitating preventive maintenance as abnormalities can be detected early, for example, with the help of artificial intelligence.
As the sensor is often installed at hardto-reach locations, the measured values can be retrieved periodically through OPC-UA on Pepperl-Fuchs’ IO-Link masters and stored in on-premises or cloud databases. Users can subsequently create dashboards for data visualization anytime, anywhere. Users may also create push notifications to configured mobile devices so that an alert is sent immediately for any events, for example, when the vibration thresholds are exceeded.
Customized Parameterization
Possible from the Factory
As a special service, Pepperl+Fuchs’ sensors can be ordered and delivered with customer-requested settings, once a known configuration is established for a machine type. This can further simplify commissioning, saving time and parameterization setup in the field.
VIM6 Series—Perfect for Extended Temperature Ranges
The sensors of the VIM6 series can measure data for temperature and vibration speed and acceleration. This sensor series is ideal for use in an extended temperature range from –40 °C to 125 °C. They are approved for use in hazardous areas up to Zone 1/21. An analog output is available for each measured value.
Higher-than-normal temperatures may be the result of mechanical wear caused by friction and could result in machine damage. This measured value can therefore provide key information about the machine’s condition. The VIM6 series is available with connector, cable, and duplex steel housing.
VIM8 Series—for Challenging Outdoor Applications
The VIM8 series with encapsulated electronics is designed for use in harsh environments as it withstands notably high mechanical and chemical loads and Zone 1/21 hazardous areas such as mining and offshore applications. The sensors come with SIL 2/PL d approval and a temperature range of –35 ... +125 °C. In addition, the vibration sensors are equipped with several sophisticated functions, including integrated vibration evaluation in combination with parameterizable switching outputs. For example, by means of the integrated crest function, the condition of machine bearings can be monitored and machine downtime or failures can be prevented before damage occurs. Optionally, users can define two limit values via rotary switches. As soon as these values are exceeded, they are output via two relays for predictive maintenance purposes. This eliminates the need for extensive software development to evaluate the signal values in a PLC.
They are available in three designs with different functional ranges:
VIM3 Series—the Economical AllRounder
The vibration sensor series by Pepperl+Fuchs, which is approved for hazardous areas.
Helpful Accessories Complete the Portfolio
The portfolio of vibration sensors is complemented by helpful accessories, including mounting adapters, a flexible metal conduit, and a protective rubber sleeve. The metal conduit, which is available for the sensor types VIM6 and VIM8, safeguard the cables from mechanical stress while the rubber sleeve provides additional protection from moisture and dirt.
Guarantee a Long Service Life, Ensure Efficient Operation
One key area of use for vibration sensors is pumps and fans, which are required in virtually all industrial sectors. Even in perfect condition, these machines generate vibrations that can be detected by the vibration sensor. Over time, friction or changes in balance will cause wear on the shaft, gear, or other parts. If the vibration levels exceed safe limits, the risk of expensive machine damage and failures increases. To monitor this, Pepperl+Fuchs’ sensors are mounted on parts such as the bearing unit to monitor the machine condition. Here, the devices provide valuable vibration measurement
14 – 16 May 2025
Kuala
The regional conference-led event for sustainable manufacturing
Through its unique conference-led approach, Intelligent Manufacturing Kuala Lumpur (IMKL) empowers businesses of all sizes, both domestic and international, to confidently navigate their digital transformation journeys. Serving as an all-in-one platform for industrial digitalisation, it covers the entire process from concept and planning to the deployment of hardware and software solutions.
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) plot from VIM3’s raw data
Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia Event formats
In-Space 3D Printing Research Paves Way for Future In-Orbit
Fabricators
University of Glasgow researchers have demonstrated a patented process that can effectively 3D print in low-Earth gravity with feedstock and fiber reinforcement, freeing up the ability to build structures on-demand in space
Researchers at a Scottish university have taken one small step toward a future where orbital factories can 3D print future tech on-demand in space. Dr. Gilles Bailet, from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, has been awarded a patent for a novel system which is said to overcome the challenges of 3D printing in zero gravity. His technology has recently been rigorously tested during a series of trips on a research airplane.
When asked more about the patented process, Bailet told CW that the system was conceived with finer dipped polymer in mind. “This was successfully
demonstrated in microgravity using PEEK granular material dipped with 30% short carbon fibers,” Bailet explains. “We are also working on technologies to embed continuous fibers for stiffer parts and also for health monitoring purposes. We are also looking at characterizing the performance of novel composite parts for space applications within a novel testing rig by performing tensile tests in a simulated space environment via a project funded by the UK Space Agency.”
Bailet says that solving the challenge of 3D printing objects in low-gravity environments could pave the way for orbital fabricators capable of producing parts and components which could be assembled into novel equipment in orbit. Equipment could include solar reflectors to generate zero-carbon power for transmission back to Earth, improved communication antennae or drug
research stations that can create purer, more effective pharmaceuticals.
The research team’s prototype demonstrator proved its effectiveness in microgravity in November 2024.
For several years, Bailet has been working on a prototype 3D printer better suited for use in outer space. Instead of the filaments used in earthbound 3D printers, it uses a granular material developed by the team designed to work effectively in microgravity and in the vacuum of space. The material’s properties enable it to be drawn reliably from the prototype’s feedstock tank and delivered to the printer’s nozzle faster than any other method, according to Bailet.
In addition, Bailet and his colleagues are exploring methods of embedding electronics into the materials as part
of the printing process, opening up the possibility of creating functional components for use in devices created in space, as well as recyclable space systems.
“Currently, everything that goes into Earth’s orbit is built on the surface and sent into space on rockets,” Bailet says. “They have tightly limited mass and volumes and can shake themselves to pieces during launch when mechanical constraints are breached, destroying expensive cargo in the process. If instead we could place fabricators in space to build structures on-demand, we would be freed from those payload restrictions. In turn, that could pave the way to creating much more ambitious, less resourceintensive projects with systems actually optimized for their mission and not for the constraints of rocket launches.
“Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is capable of producing remarkably
provided the team with more than 90 brief periods of weightlessness at the apex of rollercoaster-like sharp ascents followed by rapid descents — a physical challenge which has earned the planes which fly the routes the “Vomit Comet” for their effect on passengers’ digestive systems.
During each 22-second period of weightlessness, the team closely monitored the prototype’s dynamics and power consumption, which showed that the system worked as designed in the challenges of microgravity.
complex materials quickly and at low cost,” he continues. “Putting that technology in space and printing what we need for assembly in orbit would be useful. However, what works well here on Earth is often less robust in the vacuum of space, and 3D printing has never been done outside of the pressurized modules of the ISS. The filaments in conventional 3D printers often break or jam in microgravity and in vacuum, which is a problem that needs to be solved before they can be reliably used in space. Through this research, we now have technology that brings us much closer to being able to do that.”
The research team’s prototype demonstrator proved its effectiveness in microgravity in November 2024 as part the 85th European Space Agency parabolic flight campaign in collaboration with Novespace (Bordeaux, France). The test kit was taken on three flights, which
“3D printed space reflectors, like those being developed by my colleague professor Colin McInnes’ SOLSPACE project could gather energy from the sun 24 hours a day, helping us reach net-zero with an entirely new form of low-carbon power generation,” Bailet says, providing an example of how in-orbit 3D printed parts and structures could advance future space applications. “Similarly, crystals grown in space are often larger and more well-ordered than those made on Earth, so orbital chemical factories could produce new or improved drugs for delivery back to the surface.”
Bailet and his team are now looking for funding to help support the first in-space demonstration of their technology. They are also leading efforts, supported by funding from the UK Space Agency, to ensure that future in-space manufacturing projects do not contribute to the growing problem of space debris.
The in-space manufacturing project is supported by funding from the University of Glasgow’s Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund and the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account. The program is supported via the RAEng Chair in Emerging Technologies of professor Colin McInnes and the RAEng Proof of Concept award.
The 3D printing team: Colin McInnes, Gilles Bailet and Satyam Bhatti.
Dr. Gilles Bailet during space flight testing of the 3D printing system. Source (All Images) | University of Glasgow
‘Robot Revolution’ Forces China’s Human Workforce to Adapt
Factory machinery is evolving fast. Can the workers who will use it keep up?
Crouched around a whirring machine on the upper floor of Zongwei’s factory in Suzhou, a group of engineers puts China’s next generation of manufacturing equipment through its paces.
The research and development team are one of many across China racing to solve one of the biggest challenges facing its 6mn manufacturers: how to remain competitive as labour costs rise due to a shrinking working-age population.
Zongwei builds automated factory lines, which, unlike their mechanical predecessors that move an assembly line
at a constant speed, whisk the product around at different speeds and directions between workstations along a maglev conveyor system. It claims to drastically reduce manufacturing times and counts China Tobacco, electric vehicle maker BYD, and Apple suppliers Foxconn and Luxshare among its clients.
More significantly, Zongwei is developing a technology that clearly falls into the category of “smart manufacturing”, which also encompasses the use of robots that are displacing human labour.
Beijing has so far embraced what it calls the “robot revolution” as a way to tackle rising labour shortages in its rapidly ageing population, offering the sector
have increasingly been replacing these with domestic models that often sell at a fraction of the price of foreign rivals’ offerings
This is helping to drive down the cost of smart manufacturing equipment in China, but experts say there is still work to do to train the labour force that will use it. The complex machinery requires technical knowhow, including engineering skills to fix broken parts and an understanding of the software that manages the machines.
China’s manufacturing industry relies heavily on its nearly 300mn migrant workers, who leave their rural areas for urbanised coastal regions in search of better-paid factory jobs. However, despite improving education levels, as of last year just 52 per cent of migrant workers had a middle school education, while 14 per cent had only a primary school education.
Researchers have found that these migrant workers are the most likely to be displaced by robots. “Where robot adoption is higher, there is a reduction in the influx of workers from migrant areas,” says Osea Giuntella, associate professor of economics at the University of Pittsburgh and lead author of a National Bureau of Economic Research paper on the labour response to automation in China.
Migrant workers are increasingly opting for service sector jobs, such as food delivery. According to official statistics, in 2023, 28 per cent of migrant workers were employed in manufacturing but 54 per cent were in service sector jobs, which are often worse paid.
China does still have an abundance of engineers, though — in spite of the massive skills gap suggested by the education attainment levels. They tend
to be employed as factory managers or in the R&D teams that are well-positioned to adapt automated technologies in factories.
Industry insiders argue that robots are simply taking over tasks that more and more workers are shunning. Henry Han, president of ABB Robotics China, says robots are “adept at taking on dull, dirty and potentially dangerous jobs that are difficult to recruit for”.
He adds that the adoption of robotics has been smoothed by the “well-educated engineers and skilled workers from hundreds of universities and vocational schools across China”.
Even so, there is still a need to train those skilled workers in new machinery. Provinces saturated with manufacturing, notably Guangdong, have launched training programmes to educate a new
tax breaks and subsidies to encourage investment and procurement. Its success, however, will still depend on the human factor — specifically, on whether the remaining workforce will have the skills to handle these sophisticated machines.
China has — partly thanks to government support over the past decade — become the world’s largest market for industrial robots. Last year, it installed over 276,000, which represented more than half the global total, according to the International Federation of Robotics.
Chinese companies used to import most of their robots, notably from Japan, Germany and the US. But they
machinery at its Suzhou plant. Deputy general manager Jack Xu says time-pressed customers need equipment that is ‘very easy to use’
generation of workers. But researchers from Tsinghua and Fudan universities have found that courses at local universities or technical colleges often lack the equipment to teach up-to-date skills, instead relying on textbooks or outdated equipment.
The most effective training, they say, is done through the suppliers of robots and intelligent manufacturing equipment.
Zongwei’s deputy general manager, Jack Xu, says the company dispatches teams of engineers to install its products and to teach customers how to use the software that operates the factory line.
“We build the software ourselves,” he says. “It must be very easy to use. The customers don’t have much time to learn new things from suppliers so, if they don’t know how to use it, they will always call the supplier.”
Xu adds that fierce competition in China means customers can demand very hands-on aftersales service, creating a
strong incentive to make machines easy to operate and avoid the cost of sending out engineers.
For example, Tusk Robots, a Guangzhoubased company making autonomous machines that can move pallets around warehouses and factories — replacing human-operated forklifts — takes an active role in educating its customers.
Michael Zhang, Tusk’s co-founder, says its first customer in China, the German engineering group Bosch, bought nearly 30 robots for its Xian plant manufacturing car parts, and was able to replace more than 50 workers who had been operating forklifts.
Tusk has a team of engineers that it sends to large clients, and a network of distributors with engineering expertise to service smaller clients, with a training programme that takes about two weeks.
Some larger companies have set up specialised institutes to provide formal certification. ABB Robotics China, for
example, has set up a training institute in Shanghai that teaches customers programming and electrical and mechanical maintenance.
While some countries view rising automation as a threat to stable employment, Chinese policymakers view it as a tool to ensure the country remains a competitive destination for manufacturing.
Workers have responded, meanwhile, either by taking early retirement or engaging in technical training to gain a competitive edge over the machinery, according to the NBER paper.
“There is a perception that the economy is changing, and workers have to make a drastic decision: to undergo training or to go into retirement because the investment in their own human capital is not worth it,” Giuntella says.
Implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Intellectual Property for Research, Innovation and Commercialisation in 2050
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across industries, fundamentally altering business operations and reshaping global economies. Malaysia, as a dynamic nation, has also begun to embrace AI technologies to enhance productivity and foster innovation. In this context, AI refers to the development of computer systems with the capacity to perform tasks traditionally reserved for human, including problem-solving, learning, and decision-making.
Within the realm of intellectual property, a diverse range of legal safeguards, including copyright and patent, exists to
protect the various intellectual creations stemming from human ingenuity. Thus, as AI continues its deep integration into various sectors, it gives rise to compelling questions surrounding regarding intellectual property rights.
Copyright
In traditional copyright, the creator of a work typically assumes ownership. However, AI blurs the lines of authorship.
The question arises: should authorship rest with the human programmer who designed the AI system, the individual providing input or prompts to the AI, or can AI entities claim copyright due to their ability to autonomously generate content? This query not only challenges
A ‘qualified person’ is defined under the Copyright Act as:
• in relation to an individual, a person who is a citizen of, or a permanent resident in, Malaysia; and • in relation to a body corporate, a body corporate established in Malaysia and constituted or vested with legal personality under the laws of Malaysia.
While this issue remains untested in the Malaysian courts, the existing legal framework suggests that AI-created works may not qualify for copyright protection in Malaysia. This is because AI-created works are arguably computer-generated, and the creator, AI, does not quite fit the definition of a ‘qualified person’ under the law.
Another aspect to contemplate is, in the event the user edits the AI-generated output and transforms it into their own independent creation, fulfilling the conditions in Section 7 of the Copyright Act (namely, (a) expending sufficient
effort to render the work original in character and (b) reducing the work to material form), whether such an independent creation would be eligible for copyright protection. This scenario raises intriguing questions about the interplay between AI and human creativity, and the potential evolution of copyright law to accommodate these new dynamics.
Patent
Shifting the focus to patent rights, this issue becomes particularly significant as patent rights play a pivotal role in safeguarding innovations and technological advancements. However, as AI continues to evolve, a complex and pressing question emerges: should AI-generated innovations be eligible for patent protection, and if so, who should be attributed as the rightful inventor?
This question was considered in the English case of Thaler v Comptroller General of Patents Trade Marks and Designs [2021] EWCA Civ 1374 by the
English Court of Appeal in September 2021, in which the High Court’s decision that an inventor could not be a machine and must instead be a ‘natural person’ was upheld.
The case involved Dr. Stephen Thaler’s AI system called DABUS, which generated inventions independently. Thaler claimed ownership of the patent applications filed in DABUS’s name but was denied by the UK Intellectual Property Office (“UKIPO”).
Dr. Thaler challenged the UKIPO’s decision in the High Court. Nevertheless, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal upheld the UKIPO’s decision, stating that DABUS could not be considered the inventor or have the ability to transfer patent rights to Thaler because it was not a ‘natural person’. This aligns generally with the approach of other major patent jurisdictions, including Australia, Canada, Germany, and the US, regarding similar applications by Dr. Thaler.
the conventional understanding of authorship but also carries profound implications for the development of intellectual property law.
This debate over whether AI-generated work is protected by the Copyright Act 1987 resolves around the language used in the Act, which appears to primarily address the rights of individuals and legal entities. For instance, Section 10 of the Copyright Act provides that copyright subsists in every work eligible for copyright of which the author (or in the case of a work of joint authorship, any of the authors) is, at the time when the work is made, a qualified person.
Subsequently, Dr. Thaler appealed to the UK Supreme Court, which marked the first time his case was heard by an apexlevel court. Dr. Thaler’s appeal was based on, inter alia, the following points:
• He is entitled to be granted patents for inventions created by DABUS and that the owner of an AI machine is entitled to inventions generated by that machine and to grants of patents for the inventions that are patentable; and • Section 13(2) of the UK Patents Act 1977 (“PA 1977”) does not require an applicant to name a natural person as an inventor.
On 20 December 2023, The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of Dr Stephen Thaler, reiterating earlier decisions as to the ineligibility for patent protection of inventions where there is no named human inventor.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court held that an inventor, for the purposes of the Patent Act 1977 (the Act), must be a natural person, and that therefore an autonomous AI system cannot be named as inventor under the current provisions of the Act. Further, the Supreme Court held that, under the Act, ownership of an AI system does not confer a right for the owner to apply for or obtain a patent relating to inventions generated by said AI system.
This decision is the latest in a series of test cases filed around the world by Dr Thaler in respect of inventions generated by his AI system known as ‘DABUS’
The decision is expected to have significant implications for the protection of AI-created inventions in the UK.
The Thaler case though not a binding precedent in Malaysia, is likely to be persuasive.
Within the legal framework of the Malaysian Patent Act 1983 (“PA 1983”), the term “inventor” is not defined, while Section 12 defines “invention” as “an idea of an inventor which permits in practice the solution to a specific problem in the field of technology.”
It is essential to consider Section 18 of PA 1983, which stipulates that the right to apply for a patentable invention is vested in the inventor. When the applicant is not the inventor, a statement justifying the rights to make an application for said invention (Regulation 10 Patents
Prof. Dr BRYAN SIDHU
Director IP Academy, Para legal IP Advisor in Licensing, JV, ToT, Commercialisation, Valuation, Financing TRADEMARK2U SDN BHD
Regulations 1986) is required. Thus, even if an AI may be recognised as an inventor, the patent officer or the Court will have to be satisfied that the applicant, who is not the inventor, legitimately holds the rights to the invention. This requires addressing the question of how ownership can be transferred from the AI to the applicant. Ultimately, whether an AI can overcome these legal hurdles remain to be tested in Malaysian courts.
Concerns
While AI introduces innovation to various industries, the manner in which how humans employ it holds paramount significance from a legal perspective. Human creativity and innovation must receive due recognition. If AI has the capability to generate valuable content and innovations, there exists a potential to diminish the incentives for human creators and innovators. Consequently, it is imperative to establish and maintain a legal framework that effectively balances the contributions of AI and human agents to foster a thriving intellectual property landscape. Therefore, government, agencies and respective Digital Ministries, need to look into this matter and review all laws in relation to WIPO and other court decisions for the local inventions and creations are in protection by the Intellectual Property rights for the AI industry to prosper and grow in the strategic future economy specially for inclusion in Economic Plans for each country.
Mediator Intellectual Property ASIA INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE
Adjunct Professor LINCOLN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Trainer -TTT HRDCorp ASIA BUSINESS SCHOOL- BANK NEGARA
Commissioner of Oath
MAHKAMAH PERSEKUTUAN
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Associate Professor Georgia National University SEU
• Certified Business Coach University Malaya Centre for Continuing Education
• Research-gate Researcher Blockchain in Intellectual Property
• Medical Practice Certificate London College of Clinical Therapy
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• Certified Trainer HRDCorp
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
• PHD in Education - Wilmington Metropolitan University
• Post Graduate Research RFID - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
• Master of Science Industrial and Technology Management - Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia Bachelor of Science Computer Information Science - Western International University
SEMINAR/WORKSHOPS/COACHING/ COURSES
• IP Sessions at IPTA
• IP Coaching at IPTS
• IP Consular training at NGO, and industry associations
• IP Seminar at Government agencies and departments on WIPO
Over 35 years experiences in industry, government, NGO in research and commercialisation. Appointed Chief Risk Officer at MITI, and an expert in World Bank, UNDP and ADB projects in R&DC innovation capability studies at the Malaysia Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and Malaysia Economic Development Council. Worked in branding grant committees at MATRADE, focused on Intellectual Property regulations and ownership requirements for export markets. Advisory board member at MICCI, FMBA, MAB, and ACCI.
Tel: 0176130762
E-mail: bryansidhu@yahoo.com
The Automation Race Who Will Lead?
How AI & Robotics are Transforming the Workforce and Driving Economic Growth
By Prof. Datin Lorela Chia
The global conversation around automation has shifted. It’s no longer about whether automation will reshape industries—it’s about who will lead this transformation and who risks being left behind. As AI-powered automation accelerates, countries and industries that fail to adapt will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
Automation is not about replacing human jobs but about enhancing capabilities, increasing productivity, and redefining economic structures. The real risk is not automation itself, but stagnation. Will Malaysia be a player or a bystander in this new industrial era?
3. The Workplace of the Future: Digital-First, AI-Driven
Factories and offices alike are being transformed by AI-driven operational intelligence. Smart automation systems predict, optimize, and adjust workflows in real time, transitioning from reactive to proactive management. The ability to train AI models on industrial data and integrate predictive analytics into everyday operations will determine which companies dominate their sectors.
The Economic Impact of Automation: A Global Arms Race
The next phase of automation is not just about growth—it’s about economic power. Nations that lead in automation will control the future of trade, industry, and global supply chains.
1. Beyond Productivity: Automation as an Engine for Economic Expansion
The traditional argument for automation has been increased productivity — but in 2025, the discussion has evolved. The real power of automation lies in:
● AI-driven design and rapid prototyping that accelerates product innovation.
● Autonomous supply chains that minimize disruptions and maximize efficiency.
● Generative AI for industrial applications, reducing the cost and complexity of problem-solving at scale.
2. Automation as a Competitive Differentiator
For nations like Malaysia, the key question is no longer whether to automate but how to do so more intelligently than competitors. Countries that can scale automation across SMEs, manufacturing, and logistics while integrating AI-driven efficiency models will command the future of global trade.
3. Democratizing Automation for SMEs
The real economic test for automation is whether it remains a tool of large corporations or is accessible to SMEs. Malaysia’s opportunity is to lead in scalable, SME-friendly automation solutions, ensuring that automation is not just a privilege of the top 10% of enterprises but a growth driver for the entire industrial ecosystem.
Lessons from Global Leaders: Automation as a National Strategy
Automation is no longer just a tool for efficiency — it is a strategic pillar shaping global economic power. Nations that lead in automation are not simply adopting technology; they are engineering ecosystems where AI, robotics, and digitalization drive national competitiveness. Malaysia must recognize the critical role of industrial automation as the currency of future economic influence.
Automation and Workforce Transformation: From Efficiency to Innovation
Automation is no longer solely about efficiency—it is fundamentally reshaping work processes and redefining essential skills.
1. Hybrid Teams: The Rise of AIAugmented Workforces
This article goes beyond the usual debates and examines what’s next for automation-driven economies, what Malaysia must do to stay ahead, and how industries can shape a future that is smarter, more competitive, and inclusive.
2. The Skills Race: Reskilling vs. Falling Behind
The next generation of industrial leaders will be those who invest in large-scale reskilling. Countries that fail to rapidly upskill workers in AI, robotics, and automation integration will see entire sectors become obsolete. Businesses must rethink their approach to talent: futureproofing human capital is just as critical as investing in automation infrastructure.
Rather than eliminating human jobs, automation is creating AI-augmented workforces. AI systems, digital twins, and collaborative robots (cobots) are handling complex problem-solving, predictive analysis, and decision-making tasks that were once exclusively human. The workforce of tomorrow will not be defined by humans versus machines but by their collaboration.
Germany: Industry 4.0 as a Blueprint for Industrial Precision
Germany’s Industry 4.0 strategy extends beyond automation, integrating AI-enhanced robotics, cyber-physical systems, and IoT-driven smart manufacturing into a unified framework. Collaboration between government, research institutions, and industry giants like Siemens and Bosch has enabled the country to export precision automation solutions globally, reinforcing its industrial dominance. For Malaysia, the lesson is clear—a well-coordinated national strategy that bridges policy, academia, and industry is crucial to ensuring longterm automation leadership.
Singapore: AI-Powered Smart Manufacturing for Economic Agility
Singapore has built one of the world’s most advanced AI-integrated manufacturing ecosystems. By embedding machine learning, real-time data analytics, and predictive automation into production processes, the nation has achieved hyper-efficient, high-value manufacturing outputs. Governmentbacked programs such as Smart Nation and A*STAR’s industrial AI research ensure that companies of all sizes can transition to AI-enhanced operations. Malaysia must not only invest in similar digital transformation but also incentivize SMEs to adopt AI-powered automation through scalable funding mechanisms.
China:
The Rise of Autonomous
Supply Chains
China’s rapid advancement in selfoptimizing, AI-driven logistics and factory automation has fundamentally changed global supply chains. Companies like Huawei and Alibaba Cloud are leveraging autonomous warehouses, AI-powered demand forecasting, and smart logistics networks to create highly adaptive, selflearning supply chains. This ability to scale automation at a national level is what gives China a decisive advantage in global trade. Malaysia must move beyond individual factory automation and cultivate an interconnected, AI-driven industrial ecosystem that strengthens supply chain resilience and agility.
The Malaysian Imperative: Beyond Incremental Change
The time for gradual automation adoption is over. Malaysia must boldly invest in automation infrastructure, digital industrial policies, and AI-driven innovation hubs as a foundation for long-
term economic transformation. To truly compete, automation must become a foundational pillar of national economic policy, deeply embedded in education, trade, and industrial planning. The question is no longer whether automation is necessary, but rather whether Malaysia will lead or lag behind in the automationdriven global economy.
Challenges: The Automation Divide—Winners and Losers
Automation is creating a new divide between economies that innovate and those that lag behind. The key challenges Malaysia must address include:
● Bridging the SME Adoption Gap: How do we make automation costeffective and scalable for smaller businesses?
● AI Integration and Cybersecurity Risks: As industries adopt AI-driven
leadership—demonstrating that economic growth and sustainable development can go hand in hand.
should not be on playing catch-up but on positioning Malaysian industries at the frontier of next-gen automation.
Opportunities: The Road to an Automation-Driven Economy
● Green Automation: AI-powered sustainability models that cut waste and improve resource efficiency.
automation, data protection and AI ethics will be as important as productivity.
● Redefining Industrial Policies: Malaysia’s regulatory and economic frameworks must evolve to accelerate automation without creating economic displacement.
Aligning Automation with Sustainability Frameworks
Beyond mere economic competitiveness, Malaysia can elevate its global standing by aligning automation initiatives with sustainability frameworks. AI-driven resource optimisation, blockchainbased supply chain transparency, and reduced carbon footprints all contribute to a future-proof industrial base. By consciously embedding ESG standards into every stage of the automation journey, Malaysian industries can leverage both technological and environmental
● AI-Led Industrial Growth: Investment in AI-driven R&D centres to build Malaysia’s automation capabilities.
● Workforce 2.0: A national AI and automation upskilling movement to ensure the Malaysian workforce remains competitive.
A Personal Perspective: Malaysia’s Automation Edge
For Malaysia, automation should not just be a defensive strategy — it must be a vehicle for industrial reinvention. The winners of the automation race are not those who simply digitize existing processes, but those who reimagine their industries entirely.
Malaysia has the potential to leapfrog traditional manufacturing by investing in AI-driven precision engineering, autonomous industrial ecosystems, and adaptive supply chains. The focus
Automation should be viewed not as a cost, but as a strategic advantage — a tool that enables more agile, scalable, and globally integrated industries. The real question Malaysia must answer is: How do we harness automation to lead in areas where others are still catching up?
Industries that push beyond mere adoption and embrace bold, nextgeneration automation models will not just sustain growth — they will define the next era of Malaysia’s industrial leadership.
Final Thoughts: The Automation Power Shift
Automation is redrawing the global economic map. For Malaysia to stay ahead, it must:
1. Ensure automation is accessible across all industries, not just large corporations.
2. Create a world-class workforce that is automation-ready.
3. Develop national strategies to lead in AI-driven automation and industrial AI applications.
Beyond technology, this is about economic survival and leadership. The race is on, and those who embrace automation with urgency and strategy will define the future.
About the Author
Prof. Datin Lorela Chia is the Founding President of MASSCI and Vice President I of the Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF). She also serves on the National Governing Committee of the Machinery & Equipment Productivity Nexus (MEPN), where she champions industrial productivity, sustainable supply chains, and digital transformation. A frequent public speaker, she contributes to advancing Malaysia’s industrial competitiveness and the adoption of emerging technologies.
– Ensures optimal stock levels by analyzing real-time demand, reducing overproduction and excess inventory.
AI, Blockchain, and the Future of Sustainable Supply Chains
How AI is Reshaping Automation, Innovation, and Supply Chain Resilience in ASEAN
By Prof Ir Ts Dr Tan Chee Fai, Vice President of Technology, MASSCI
As global supply chains become more complex, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and resilience has never been more critical. While automation has long been a cornerstone of supply chain optimization, AI is now transforming traditional automation, enabling real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, and intelligent risk mitigation. Meanwhile,
blockchain is providing new possibilities for transparency and trust, ensuring sustainability and ethical sourcing in supply chains.
However, despite the potential of AI and blockchain, many businesses — particularly SMEs — struggle with the high cost of adoption and integration challenges. ASEAN economies, in
particular, must balance technological ambition with practical, cost-effective solutions to ensure inclusive industrial digitalization and long-term sustainability.
This article explores how AI-driven automation, blockchain, and innovative digital solutions are reshaping sustainable supply chains in ASEAN, ensuring that both large enterprises and SMEs can adopt these transformative technologies for a more competitive and responsible industrial future.
AI-Powered Supply Chains: Moving Beyond Traditional Automation
AI does not replace automation — it enhances, innovates, and redefines it. Traditional automation focuses on fixed, rule-based workflows, whereas AI-driven automation learns, adapts, and innovates to optimize supply chain efficiency.
AI’s Expanding Role in Sustainable Supply Chains
● AI-Enabled Demand Forecasting – Reduces waste by predicting fluctuations in market demand with greater accuracy than traditional models.
● Automated Risk Detection – AI identifies potential supply chain disruptions (e.g., geopolitical risks, raw material shortages) before they escalate.
● Circular Economy Optimization –AI helps manufacturers reduce waste, optimize materials, and improve life cycle sustainability.
Practicality Check: While large enterprises are deploying AI in logistics and inventory management, ASEAN SMEs need access to more cost-effective AI solutions to make this scalable across industries.
AI & Blockchain: Dual Forces Driving Sustainable Supply Chains
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain are not competing technologies; rather, they are complementary forces shaping the future of supply chain innovation and sustainability. AI optimizes realtime decision-making, efficiency, and automation, while blockchain provides unmatched transparency, security, and traceability. Together, they create a more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable supply chain ecosystem.
How AI and Blockchain Work Together in Supply Chains
● AI-Powered Predictive Analytics + Blockchain for Secure Data Integrity
– AI anticipates and reacts to supply chain disruptions in real time, while blockchain ensures data immutability and verifiable records, reducing fraud and errors.
● AI-Driven Logistics Optimization + Blockchain for Trust & Transparency
– AI dynamically adjusts production, logistics, and demand forecasting, while blockchain ensures end-to-end supply chain traceability, meeting ESG and compliance standards.
● AI for Fraud Detection + Blockchain for Verification – AI detects anomalies and suspicious activities in transactions before they escalate, while blockchain records and verifies transactions, ensuring supply chain integrity.
● AI for Efficiency + Blockchain for Ethical Sourcing & Compliance – AI enhances cost-efficiency, sustainability, and process optimization, while blockchain ensures regulatory compliance, ethical sourcing, and ESG reporting.
The Future of AI & Blockchain in ASEAN Supply Chains
While blockchain adoption is still developing in ASEAN, AI-driven automation is already enhancing efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability.
By integrating both technologies, ASEAN industries can create secure, data-driven, and future-proof supply chains — ensuring competitiveness and resilience in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
Overcoming Adoption Barriers: Making AI and Blockchain More Accessible for ASEAN Industries
Despite their benefits, AI and blockchain adoption face real-world hurdles: high implementation costs, lack of talent, and infrastructure gaps. MASSCI is actively working with stakeholders to make these technologies more accessible and innovation-driven.
● Financing Models for SME Adoption
– Partnering with financial institutions to create affordable AI adoption programs.
● Public-Private Collaboration –Working with government agencies to establish grants and incentives that support AI-driven supply chain digitalization.
2025 and Beyond: The Next Leap in Manufacturing Automation
How Smart Factories, Robotics, and AI are Reshaping Malaysia’s Industrial Landscape
By the Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF)
Introduction: The Next Industrial Leap — Bridging Vision and Reality
Automation and AI are transforming manufacturing, but the shift to fully autonomous systems is not instantaneous. Cost, resource demands, and infrastructure readiness remain significant challenges, particularly for SMEs. The transition requires a phased approach, balancing innovation with affordability.
Malaysia’s Machinery & Equipment industries must strategically scale automation adoption, ensuring realworld feasibility while advancing towards next-generation AI-powered industrial ecosystems. Collaboration, policy incentives, and SME-friendly solutions will be key to unlocking automation’s full potential.
This article explores how Malaysia’s M&E sector is navigating this transition, outlining practical steps and industrywide collaboration to make smart factories and AI-driven automation accessible, scalable, and impactful.
Smart Factories: Moving from Automation to Intelligent Manufacturing
AI-Driven Process Intelligence: Practical Implementation for Industry Growth
AI is not about replacing automation—it is about augmenting it. In reality, businesses must balance costs, workforce upskilling, and gradual adoption to integrate AI effectively.
AI’s Role in Practical Industrial Transformation
• AI for Predictive Maintenance (Current Adoption) – Cost-effective machine monitoring to prevent breakdowns and reduce downtime.
• AI-Assisted Process Optimization (Near-Term) – Leveraging real-time analytics to fine-tune production, cutting waste and improving efficiency.
• AI in Industrial Autonomy (LongTerm) – Moving towards machine-led decision-making, but only where costeffective.
For most Malaysian manufacturers, immediate AI integration will focus on predictive insights and process optimization, rather than full autonomy. Hybrid models will dominate for the foreseeable future.
The Role of Robotics: Addressing Cost and Workforce Concerns
While industrial robotics offers unparalleled precision and efficiency, its high implementation cost remains a concern. Businesses must adopt modular and collaborative solutions that offer affordability without sacrificing performance.
Scalable Robotics Adoption
• Entry-Level Automation (SMEFriendly) – AI-powered cobots that assist rather than replace human workers.
• Targeted Robotics for High-Impact Sectors – Automated quality inspection systems for precision engineering and medical device manufacturing.
• Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) Models – Leasing robotic solutions instead of large capital investments.
• Human-AI Collaboration in Manufacturing – Training workers for hybrid workflows, where AI augments human decision-making
Malaysia’s industrial strategy should focus on cost-effective, incremental adoption rather than an all-or-nothing approach.
Key Features of Smart Factories— Adoption in Phases
• Phase 1: Enhancing Existing Automation – Introducing IoTenabled sensors and basic AI-driven data analytics to optimize machine efficiency.
• Phase 2: AI-Driven Decision Support – Implementing predictive analytics
While fully autonomous factories remain an aspirational goal, incremental progress is already happening. The key is to integrate affordable, scalable technologies that allow industries to gradually transition towards higher levels of automation.
to improve demand forecasting and reduce inefficiencies.
• Phase 3: Scalable AI-Optimized Manufacturing – Advancing towards self-learning production systems and interconnected smart supply chains.
• Phase 4: Fully Autonomous Factories (Long-Term Goal) – AI-powered, realtime decision-making with minimal human intervention.
Malaysia must prioritize investments in practical, step-by-step automation upgrades to ensure industries reap immediate benefits while preparing for future advancements.
MEIF’s Role: Driving a Practical, Scalable Automation Roadmap
MEIF is ensuring that Malaysia’s automation shift is realistic, industrydriven, and SME-inclusive.
• Bridging Policy and Industry Needs
– Advocating for tax incentives and industrial grants to reduce SME adoption costs.
• Encouraging Hybrid AI-Automation Models – Promoting staged automation upgrades rather than high-cost, fullsystem replacements.
• ASEAN Collaboration for Shared Innovation – Partnering with regional stakeholders to drive cost-sharing and cross-border technology exchange.
• Developing Workforce Upskilling Programs – Ensuring Malaysia’s workforce is future-ready without excessive job displacement.
MEIF’s approach ensures automation is an enabler for all manufacturers — from SMEs to large-scale industrial leaders.
Conclusion: Automation for Now, AI for the Future
Malaysia’s automation journey is not about achieving instant transformation, but about building a step-by-step foundation for long-term competitiveness.
Manufacturers must prioritize practical, cost-conscious automation upgrades today while laying the groundwork for AIdriven industrial intelligence in the future. With MEIF’s leadership, Malaysia’s M&E sector can balance ambition with reality — ensuring automation is accessible, scalable, and economically viable.
About MEIF
The Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF) is Malaysia’s principal advocate for advancing highvalue manufacturing and engineering excellence. Representing sectors from aerospace and robotics to heavy equipment and semiconductors, MEIF connects industry, government, and global stakeholders to drive innovation and competitiveness.
Focusing on cross-industry collaboration and aligning with global trends, MEIF empowers members to navigate the complexities of modern industrial challenges. By championing digital transformation and workforce upskilling, MEIF is positioning Malaysia as a leader in sustainable, technologydriven industrialization.
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