Robotics and mechatronics: Transforming the future of work in Malaysia

15 October 2022

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A study published by the World Economic Forum titled Future of Jobs Report 2020 revealed that in the next five years, 73% of Malaysian companies would be adopting the use of robots such as non-humanoid industrial automation and drones.

This finding bodes well for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), which is working to increase the robots-to-worker ratio in the country from 55 robots to 195 per 10,000 workers by the year 2030.

While robots have long been part of the manufacturing industry in Malaysia, the latest advances make it much more favourable for businesses to invest in such machinery, whether for greater productivity or efficiency. Among the most distinctive examples are the automotive manufacturing and healthcare industry.

Enhancing the future through mechatronics and robotics

Robots and automated machinery were initially used to move large components and perform simple welding tasks. The scope has since expanded to include additional steps in assembly, part transfer and a larger variety of welding processes such as arc, resistance, spot, laser and plasma welding.

This would not be possible without the help of robotic and mechatronic engineers, who will find their place in the workforce today in developing useful artificial intelligence (AI) and designing more efficient manufacturing tools. Collaborative robots are great at performing strenuous and repetitive physical tasks, but it takes the skill of trained robotics and mechatronic engineers to bring about improvements.

Apart from automotive manufacturing, robots are progressively introduced to aid doctors in performing highly complicated surgical procedures. Doctors are able to reduce tremors, improve dexterity and even view higher detailed images when performing complex surgical procedures, equating to quicker and safer surgical outcomes.

This has led to more procedures being minimally invasive and reducing the time required to perform surgery. While robot-assisted surgery was first introduced in the field of urological cancer surgeries, it is now being utilised in other departments such as joint replacement surgeries in Malaysia.

A recent study exploring robots as a stroke rehabilitation tool concludes that robot-assisted therapy, when used as adjunct therapy, can potentially ease the process of standard physiotherapy for stroke patients.

Building skills to be a valuable player

As you prepare to venture into engineering, a Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics (Honours) at Monash Malaysia will equip you with the skills necessary to contribute to the development of robots in Malaysia.

This degree will help you build valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and innovation through practical courses and academic work. And as a university that is future-focused, you will have the opportunity to specialise in automation or AI, two upcoming areas in this fast-paced industry.

While studying this undergraduate course, you will also be exposed to subjects such as modelling and control, robotics, design methods and other important subjects that will help you learn skills such as:

  • Task Planning and techniques for modelling, simulation and programming of robotic tasks
  • Deciding between sophisticated analytical methods such as root locus and frequency response
  • Developing a systematic method of capturing design requirements, tools for ideation, estimation and decision-making

As of 2020, Malaysia’s Robotic Market size was valued at USD88.46 million (RM410.94 million) and is expected to reach USD273.61 million (RM1.271 billion) by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.50% from 2020 to 2027. Such figures build confidence in the demand for mechatronics and robotics engineers in the near future, indicating a bright future ahead for those who have yet to decide on an engineering sub field to specialise in.

Malaysia’s prominent standing as a health tourism destination within the South East Asian region also further boosts the country’s dependency on robotics and mechatronics in healthcare.

Click here to kick start your journey as a game changer in the robotics and mechatronics world!