Interdisciplinary expertise: AI and robotics drive automation, efficiency and innovation. — 123rf.com
Malaysia’s future depends on its ability to embrace sustainable innovation.
As the nation tackles challenges such as climate change, urbanisation and energy efficiency, mechatronics – a multidisciplinary field integrating mechanical, electrical and software engineering – has emerged as a critical enabler of progress. Within this field, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming industries, driving automation and addressing pressing societal challenges.
However, a shortage of skilled engineers threatens Malaysia’s ability to advance in sustainable technology. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted that Malaysia faces a deficit of over 30,000 engineers, a gap that must be urgently addressed to ensure the nation’s global competitiveness.
This shortage underscores the need for engineering education that goes beyond traditional disciplines, integrating AI, robotics and real-world industry collaboration to produce future-ready graduates.
Leading change
To get the ball rolling, educational institutions must rethink engineering education to keep pace with industry demands. A traditional degree alone is no longer sufficient.
Graduates need interdisciplinary expertise in AI and robotics to drive automation, efficiency and innovation. In this regard, mechatronics engineers are uniquely equipped to bridge mechanical, electrical and software expertise, making them essential for advancing manufacturing, smart agriculture and intelligent urban infrastructure.
As automation is key to both sustainability and economic growth, Malaysia must not fall behind. Universities must bridge the talent gap by investing in mechatronics degree programmes with AI and robotics specialisations, ensuring graduates are industry-ready from day one.
Strengthening collaboration
However, academic institutions cannot do this alone. Industry collaboration is essential for preparing graduates for real-world challenges. Universities are encouraged to partner with global technology firms, automation companies and AI developers to provide students with hands-on experience beyond theoretical learning.
Collaborations with drone manufacturers and robotics firms expose students to cutting-edge innovations and offer practical learning opportunities through internships and training programmes.
Additionally, investing in research and development is equally important, allowing future engineers to tackle both national and global sustainability challenges through meaningful innovation.
Aligning with industry
To ensure graduates are equipped for the demands of the workforce, it is crucial that engineering education aligns with industry needs. When universities and industries collaborate, students gain exposure to real-world applications, emerging technologies and industry best practices, making them more adaptable and job-ready.
Case in point is Malaysia’s palm oil industry, which is facing severe labour shortages and sustainability concerns and in urgent need of automation.
AI and robotics, as specialisations within mechatronics, offer transformative solutions – such as RoboDog, a quadrupedal robot – to automate labour-intensive tasks.
Studies suggest that a single RoboDog could replace up to five human workers, potentially saving RM100,000 annually in labour costs per unit. If widely adopted, this technology could increase Malaysia’s annual palm oil output by 10-15%, translating to billions in economic benefits while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
As Malaysia works towards its sustainability and economic goals, the demand for engineers skilled in mechatronics, AI and robotics has never been greater. The country has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in sustainable technology and engineering, but achieving this vision requires collective action from academia, industry and policymakers.
By aligning education with industry needs, fostering collaboration and embracing AI-driven innovation, Malaysia can build a workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow – one that is resilient, future-ready, and leading the way in sustainable engineering.
Dr Phang Swee King is the Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) programme director and School of Engineering, Faculty of Innovation & Technology, senior lecturer at Taylor’s University. As an expert in robotics and AI, he has published over 100 research papers and leads initiatives at the university’s Robotics Hub. Phang is passionate about sustainable engineering and equipping future engineers with the skills to drive meaningful innovation. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
