UTAR signs MoU with AIIOT Sdn Bhd to develop an outdoor autonomous robot base for agriculture purposes

UTAR and AIIOT Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) via Zoom on 30 September 2021. The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and AIIOT Sdn Bhd Group CEO and Executive Director Lee Kok Seong. It was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abdul Rahman and AIIOT Sdn Bhd General Manager Lim Chi Tong.

Prof Ewe (left) and Lee (right) during the MoU signing ceremony

Prof Ewe expressed, “With the signing of this MoU, I am glad to note that UTAR and AIIOT Sdn Bhd will work together to initiate collaborative research and share expertise and joint development of research. Through the combination of knowledge and expertise from the academic and industry, we will expand the scope of research and maximise its impact. Under the collaboration, UTAR and AIIOT will signify the beginning of research collaboration whereby both parties shall research and develop an outdoor autonomous robot base for agriculture purposes. The project will be creating one robot base equipped with a camera and robotic arm.”

He added, “This MoU will foster mutual understanding and cooperation, resulting in more exciting and mutually beneficial outcomes. Let us work together to make the future a better place. I look forward to seeing our collaboration grow and provide excellent results in the near future.”

On behalf of AIIOT Sdn Bhd, Lee said, “We believe technology will change the agriculture world we know today and will play an important role to improve the mechanism of our food supply chain but without real data from the ground, various technologies available today and machinery infrastructures of big data would have no significant impact in either improving the situation or benefitting the farmer. Therefore, our company had set a clear vision on our roles and responsibility to contribute to the improvement of this situation as our corporate mission.”

He enthused, “In the years to come, AIIOT wish to team up with UTAR in the area of Robotics; Internet of things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our company aims to strengthen food security and ensure the sustainable development of the industry. With the exciting partnership with UTAR, I believe this signing will record a distinctive milestone and we are certain that with the joined expert from UTAR, we will find a solution with not only solving the food security issues but also getting the biggest picture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Through the announcement of this partnership, UTAR and AIIOT Sdn Bhd will also facilitate the exchange of ideas and facilities, staff attachment and mutual visits by staff members to pursue research; and curriculum development, besides facilitating participation in seminars, conferences and workshops that are relevant to the industry.

Aside from that, UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students will gain industrial exposure through the industrial study visits. These initiatives would be a great learning opportunity for students to enhance their learning experience, professional development and curriculum development. UTAR is indeed pleased with this collaboration as it will enhance the learning experience of our students through the industrial placement. Through this opportunity, UTAR students will be prepared to meet the increasingly challenging and ever-changing industrial requirements.

Also present at the virtual ceremony were AIIOT Sdn Bhd Executive Director Soo Zhen Ian, AIIOT Sdn Bhd Advisor Dr Goh Chee Seong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, LKC FES Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, LKC FES Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, LKC FES Department of Mechatronics and BioMedical Engineering Head Dr Kwan Ban Hoe, LKC FES Department of Computer Science Head Ts Dr Ooi Boon Yaik, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Computing Applications Chairperson Dr Ng Oon-Ee, Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, DCInterNet Deputy Director Dr Chen I-Chi, LKC FES lecturers, UTAR staff and other distinguished guests from AIIOT.

MoU signing ceremony between UTAR and AIIOT Sdn Bhd

A group photo at the end of the virtual signing ceremony