The collaboration between Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and the Harbin Institute of Technology Robot Group (HRG), one of China's leading robot manufacturers, in the setting up of the TP-HRG Robotics Innovation Centre marks the first step towards establishing 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, where TP and HRG would cooperate in research & development, training, as well as the designing, delivering, test-bedding and integrating of solutions in relevant technologies in support of industry players. This includes small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore and around the region.

For TP, one of the intentions for the collaboration is to enhance existing products and technologies from HRG to meet local market demand in the robotics industry. Supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, the TP-HRG Robotics Innovation Centre will help strengthen TP’s training capabilities in the Continuing Education and Training (CET) landscape, and raise their portfolio of industry-relevant training solutions in areas of robotics and advanced manufacturing. TP will leverage HRG’s advanced robotics cyber physical systems to boost TP’s 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.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Peter Lam, Principal & CEO of Temasek Polytechnic said: “TP is delighted to be able to work with HIT Robot Group 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.”

Some of the companies which TP and HRG will be working with include the Tung Lok Group, Kalms (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Kidzania Sentosa.

“Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, and Singapore, with its superior geographical position, is strategically important to Chinese companies. HRG is delighted to be cooperating with Temasek Polytechnic in research and development, robotics solutions for Singaporean enterprises, and incubation for high quality products and solutions in the robotics and smart manufacturing sectors,” noted Mr Wang Meng, CEO of HIT Robot Group.

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