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Dr Rawepat Pudphong, the Director of the Modern Industrial Cooperation Department at EECi, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), has highlighted the global shift towards Industry 4.0, a revolution characterised by the integration of digital and modern technologies into production processes, thus enhancing product quality and bolstering a nation’s competitiveness. In Thailand, however, many industries still operate at levels 2-3 of this transformation.
“Failing to adapt swiftly to these dynamic changes could lead to a loss of competitiveness and ripple effect on the overall economy,” Dr Rawepat emphasised.
The transition to Industry 4.0 presents a significant challenge that spans various sectors, including industry, business, transportation, logistics, labour, and entrepreneurship, both small and large. This transformation aligns with Thailand’s strategic goals and is in harmony with the Thailand 4.0 development framework. Therefore, addressing this challenge proactively and collaboratively is imperative to ensure that Thailand remains competitive in the ever-evolving global landscape of technology-driven manufacturing.
Additionally, Dr Rawepat said, “To transition the Thai industrial sector to Industry 4.0, NSTDA collaborates with public and private partners through the ‘Industry 4.0 Platform.’ This platform offers comprehensive services to boost entrepreneurs’ competitiveness, improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance product quality, streamline processes, and minimise environmental impact, aligning with NSTDA’s core mission.”
According to Dr Rawepat, the Industry 4.0 Platform has three key roles:
- Maturity is developing the Thailand i4.0 Index, measuring Industry 4.0 readiness
- Consulting provides tailored technical advice, including research, technology transfer, and testing
- Training enhances personnel skills for technological advancement
Dr Rawepat asserted that the Industry 4.0 Platform collaborates with partners within and beyond NSTDA. These collaborative efforts encompass various stakeholders, including the Federation of Thai Industries, networked institutions, and governmental agencies under the Ministry of Industry.
Financial institutions, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI), and specialised entities like the Sustainable Manufacturing Innovation Centre (SMC) and the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) are all active participants in this initiative. The primary focus of the Industry 4.0 Platform is to cater to essential target groups, including industrial sector entrepreneurs, medium and large enterprises, and professionals specialising in system integration. This inclusive approach ensures a comprehensive and multifaceted effort to advance Industry 4.0 adoption in Thailand.
“NSTDA boasts a cadre of expert researchers spanning various domains, serving as the bedrock for propelling the nation’s industrial advancement,” he explained.
Furthermore, it possesses vital infrastructure assets, exemplified by the Sustainable Manufacturing Innovation Centre (SMC). This centre has pioneered cutting-edge technologies tailored to serve Thai entrepreneurs, such as the IDA (Industrial IoT) platform and Data Analytics Platform. These platforms facilitate the integration of factory data through sensors and IoT, enabling efficient analysis and management of machine operations.
NSTDA is equipped with services that are readily transferable to the industrial sector. It includes the development of Autonomous Mobile Robots, versatile machines applicable across diverse domains, such as product handling and service robotics.
Dr Rawepat observed that the collaborative development of the Industry 4.0 Platform aims to provide valuable insights to industrial operators. It seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the most cost-effective and efficient investment pathways to transition towards Industry 4.0. It includes actionable steps organisations can take to progressively upgrade their operations, aligning with their specific business objectives and contextual considerations within Thailand.
Moreover, the readiness assessment process systematically and reliably gathers critical information. This information is a solid foundation for effective collaboration with various agencies, working collectively to propel Thailand’s industries closer to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Ultimately, this concerted effort aims to prepare and support the nation’s industries for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
