A COLLABORATION between industry and academia has led to the production of a system that enables contactless implementation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures.

This is done through Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT), which are all integrated into a single device.

The partnership is between Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Smart Manufacturing Research Institute.

MARii chief executive officer Datuk Madani Sahari said the system, known as the Modular and Open System-Plus (MOST-Plus), is undergoing further research and development (R&D), as well as commercialisation.

This is to include additional features such as real-time data monitoring and mobile application functionalities to improve its effectiveness based on industrial standards and demands.

“To advance the partnership to the next level, both parties are actively working on the establishment of a MARii UiTM Satellite Node to offer industry-grade facilities, tools and equipment focusing on automotive, automation, robotics, IoT and other related fields.

“This includes a Digital Factory with Augmented Reality applications, a mechatronics and robotics lab, and a hydrogen fuel cell car development area.

“The MARii UiTM Satellite Node is expected to officially open by the end of the year,” he said.

The institute has also collaborated with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to enhance the development of new age solutions.

The collaboration with UKM, Madani said, aims to accelerate the development of the three new elements outlined in the National Automotive Policy 2020 by utilising research facilities and local talents.

One of the projects includes the development and commercialisation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, focusing on battery performance, battery replication and the development of a lithium-ion battery production line, he added.

“We are also working closely with UPM in the local development of EVs and to establish a testbed which has reached the final stages of R&D.

“An EV Wireless Charging System is also in the works, with goals to enhance the capabilities of the local automotive sector to penetrate the EV market, including the creation of high value jobs in the areas of EV development.”

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said, poses a continuous demand for new skills, knowledge and familiarisation of expertise, making industry-academia collaboration vital.