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DOST-MIRDC Showcases New Facilities to Promote Smart Manufacturing
By: Jim Patrick S.D. Erispe
Ever heard of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) and the Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL)?
These two facilities are both under the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and presently contribute to the enhancement of the skills, productivity, and competitiveness of the human resources specifically of the local metals, engineering, and allied industries.
The AMCen and the AMERIAL were both featured in the webinar entitled ‘Smart Manufacturing Solutions for MSMEs’ held on September 20, 2022. The webinar is part of the ongoing celebration of the DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region’s (DOST-CAR) National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).
Engr. Franz Joseph D. Libao of DOST-MIRDC presented the AMERIAL facility. AMERIAL is a technology hub that promotes the use of Industry 4.0 technologies such as mechatronics, robotics, and industrial automation to allow MSMEs to cope with the competition among local and global businesses. AMERIAL offers services, mainly research and development, training, and consultancy to MSMEs. In addition to reiterating the various benefits that MSMEs can gain from availing of AMERIAL services, Engr. Libao also shared the various technical, financial, competency, and socio-cultural challenges that hinder businesses from adopting new technologies.
Engr. Denise Daryl A. Florante spoke about additive manufacturing (AM). He emphasized that the AMCen is geared to be the Philippines’ national hub for additive manufacturing/3D printing, constantly improving capabilities in the AM materials development and prototyping, and fostering effective collaborations among industry, government, and the academe. During his talk, Engr. Florante also gave the participants a virtual tour of the AMCen for better understanding of what this national hub for additive manufacturing has to offer.
"It feels good to be able to celebrate the NSTW again this year. This year's NSTW will allow us to showcase MIRDC's capabilities, particularly the AMCen's. We hope that the participants recognize the government's efforts not only for this generation but also for future generations,” says Engr. Florante.
In addition to the AMCen and the AMERIAL, the DOST-MIRDC is also showcasing its R&D outputs in the DOST-CAR’s NSTW. The DOST-MIRDC’s exhibit booth features various food processing equipment, the Automated Guideway Transit, and other services that cater to the requirements of local industries.
MIRDC showcases the food processing equipment, AGT, and 3D printer at the 2022 National Science and Technology Week in CAR.
MSMEs, teachers and students, and budding entrepreneurs were encouraged to visit the DOST-MIRDC booth at the NSTW event at the gymnasium of Benguet State University. Visiting the DOST-MIRDC booth provided an advantage as various opportunities to learn about smart manufacturing and the adoption of locally-developed technologies were gained.
