RMIT student wins robotics award

ABB Australia has announced Chun-Yen Lai from RMIT University as the overall winner of the 2008 National Robotics Innovation Competition.

The competition requires university students to interact and collaborate with industry to produce a design proposal that utilises an industrial application of a robot in a work cell or process.

Students from all Australian universities were able to apply and entries were evaluated on key points such as generated savings, innovation, safety, and the likelihood of success.

“Adaptability and cost savings are key words for the future of all industries," said Paul Gekas, ABB robotics general manager.

“Throughout 2008, Chun-Yen worked closely with SK Furniture, developing a solution featuring the use of an industrial robot to automate the manufacturing of key components. The process devised would be equally applicable in many areas of engineering manufacture at supplier or OEM level."

Gekas said that the opportunity for the students to liaise with industry partners on specific projects provides real benefits to all involved.

"Companies received genuine commercial developments, access to cutting-edge information via the universities, and the chance to review and interact with the brightest employee prospects," he said.

"With no financial commitment required, companies across the industrial and automotive sectors were keen to examine existing manufacturing processes or identify potential opportunities for productivity improvement via robotic automation.”

Students gained real-world experience, improving their communication skills and their ability to present a valid business case.

Participating universities from around Australia were rewarded with ABB’s Robot Studio software and the opportunity to host on-site design tutorials conducted by ABB staff. Aside from receiving the winner's trophy, Chun-Yen has the opportunity to complete three months' paid work experience with ABB Australia in the robotics division.