The School of Engineering in Temasek Polytechnic (TP) has tied-up with the Harbin Institute of Technology Robot Group (HRG), one of China's leading robot manufacturers, to set up the TP-HRG Robotics Innovation Centre on campus, taking Singapore another step closer to its goal  of becoming a smart nation and global digital hub in the region.

The collaboration establishes a framework for research and training in the field of robotics, automation and other enabling technologies, in line with Singapore’s Industry 4.0 initiative.

The launch of the TP-HRG Robotics Innovation Centre follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2018, under which TP and HRG would cooperate in research & development, training, as well as the designing, delivering, test-bedding and integrating of smart technology solutions to help local companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to automate and raise their productivity.

The Centre will also strengthen TP’s training capabilities in the Continuing Education and Training (CET) landscape, and raise its portfolio of industry-relevant training programmes related to robotics and advanced manufacturing.  TP will leverage on HRG’s advanced robotics cyber physical systems to boost its training capabilities, and draw on HRG’s past projects to develop case studies for learning.  In addition, the SkillsFuture Series courses in Advanced Manufacturing will be expanded to include industrial robotics and automation, focusing on skills proficiencies across basic and intermediate levels.

The new Centre was launched on 21 Feb 2019 by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Education, and witnessed by China’s Ambassador to Singapore, His Excellency Mr Hong Xiaoyong, the CEO of HIT Robot Group Mr Wang Meng, the Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore Mr Ng Cher Pong, and the PCEO of Temasek Polytechnic, Mr Peter Lam. 

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Peter Lam, said: “TP is delighted to be able to work with HRG to facilitate our local industry’s adoption of smart technologies as we move ahead in the new digital economy.  By coupling TP’s expertise in robotics and automation with HRG’s experience in implementing robotics solutions globally, we will be able to provide not just the technology but also the highly relevant training and skills upgrading that are vital for a successful and sustainable digital transformation.”