Deal signed to boost next generation of robotics engineers
Power and robotics expert ABB and the King Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) have signed an agreement to foster closer cooperation and establish a framework for research and development of industrial robots to enhance education for the next generation of engineers.
According to a press release from ABB in Thailand, the growing adoption of robots in all walks of manufacturing is creating increased demand for workers with skills in programming and operating robots, and many new career paths.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed by Sirichote Singsa, vice president of ABB in Thailand and Associate Professor Dr. Komsan Maleesee, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, KMITL.
“I’m pleased to see this MoU in place to create synergy between KMITL and ABB; cooperation in educational resources development as well as transfer of knowledge and technology in development of the industrial robots in various industries. This is in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy that is targeting innovation as a means of development,” Sirichote said.
Associate Professor Dr. Komsan Maleesee added: “The collaboration with ABB is a significant milestone for KMITL, especially in the area of nurturing students with knowledge of industrial robotics to equip them with the necessary skills to be well-placed in Thailand’s changing and growing industrial landscape.”
KMITL was founded in 1960 in Nonthaburi province as a telecommunications training centre under the technical support of the Japanese government and was later named the Nonthaburi Institute of Telecommunications. After moving to a new location at Ladkrabang near Suvarnabhumi Airport, the campus became King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang.
Engineering studies have been part of KMITL since it was founded, with a course on telecommunications engineering, and the institution is now recognised as one of the top science and technology universities in Thailand.