Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) launched the MARii-UiTM Satellite Node on 16 March 2022, a shared research and development (R&D) and talent development centre that offers industry-grade facilities, tools, and equipment focusing on automotive, automation, robotics, IoT, and other related fields to stakeholders in the various technology sectors.
The Satellite Node, housed at the Smart Manufacturing Research Institute (SMRI) College of Engineering UiTM, aims to further strengthen the expansion of Industry 4.0 R&D, promote and develop academic, cultural, research cooperation and talent networks within the local technology sectors as well as strengthening the Society 5.0 suppliers development in Malaysia.
Achieving the Satellite Node’s goals kicks off with the signing of 3 Memorandums of Agreement (MoA) between the two parties, covering the development of virtual learning system for metal additive manufacturing, IR4.0 Lean Karakuri Assembly Line Teaching & Learning, and developing predictive models to perform COVID-19 Symptoms Detection.
The launch ceremony signed by UiTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ts. Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor and MARii CEO, Prof. (Adj) Dato’ Ts. Madani Sahari.
Prof. Datuk Roziah explained that this strategic partnership will provide an avenue for UiTM, especially in smart manufacturing engineering, as well as expertise in other fields, to work with relevant industries; and at the same time support the nation by producing graduates ready for the latest IR4.0 industry.
“This Satellite Node will provide both parties and potential customers, industries and the public with better access to high-end facilities in the faculty as well as other facilities throughout UiTM. These industry connections and partnerships are essential in ensuring that UiTM’s research and innovation as well as teaching & learning remain impactful and are commercially viable to the industry and community in improving production and economic performance beyond this pandemic,” she added.
Dato’ Madani Sahari said “This is another milestone resulting from MARii and UiTM’s long standing partnership since MARii’s early days in 2010 (when it was known as Malaysia Automotive Institute). Our talent network that spans across expertise from industry, academia and government now has access to new dimensions for technology development through the establishment of the MARii-UiTM Satellite Node”.
He further explained that apart from its placement within local universities, the Satellite Node serves as a strategic hub to serve various industries in Shah Alam, Klang and surrounding areas which comprise various sectors including automotive, E&E and logistics.
With the establishment of the Satellite Node, both parties are in the process of developing new collaborations that include industrial partnership programmes through consultancy projects in various industries, the establishment of teaching-factory partnerships through shared industrial space, virtual learning platforms for automotive, robotics and IoT courses, and the development of post graduate programmes in line with Industry4WRD through MARii’s centres of excellence.