The Smart Machine and Mixed Reality (SMR) Research Team conducts research in the field of advanced robotics and automation technology. In the near future, with advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and microprocessor technology, smart machines or robots are expected to become smarter and capable of performing more complex tasks than ever before. Additionally, the demand for smart robots is increasing due to Thailand’s aging population. However, there are still some limitations that prevent robots from fully realizing their potential. These areas require further research and studies to overcome. Therefore, SMR focuses on research and development in AI and related fields of robotics.
In the past, SMR collaborated with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) on the Generator Inspection Vehicle (GIV) project. The GIV is a mobile robot designed to navigate between the narrow gap between a generator’s rotor and stator. The initial version of the GIV has been utilized by EGAT for maintenance services of power generators since 2015 and continues to be employed to this day.
In addition, SMR is currently engaged in projects related to smart factories, including the development of mobile robots and inspection robots. These robots will be increasingly necessary in Thailand’s industrial sector as the country transitions to the Industry 4.0 era. Another emerging technology trend that SMR is also interested in is Digital Engineering. Digital Engineering encompasses Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), which serve as bridges between the virtual and real worlds. These technologies enable users to visualize and comprehend intricate tasks and provide enhanced experiences in interacting with information in the cyber realm, thereby improving work efficiency.
Vision
To be a research team that excellence in the development of intelligent automation system utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Digital Engineering technologies as well as building innovation together with both local and international organizations.
Mission
- To research, develop, and engineering design to build innovation in Robotics, AI and Digital Engineering fields.
- To work with an alliance for sustainable development of automation systems that have been used in industry.
- To support the Sustainable Manufacturing Center’s (SMC) missions to help industry sectors.
Core Technology
- Service Robot for professional use
- Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Autonomous Mobile Robot
Renown Projects
- Industrial Prototype – Generator Inspection Vehicle v.1 (2015) and v.2 (2020)
- Industrial Prototype – Combine Harvester and Excavator Virtual Reality Simulator (2018)
- Industrial Prototype – Planning Algorithm for Gas Turbine Spare Part Management (2013)
- Industrial Prototype – Steel Rod Cutting Management Software v.1 (2012) and v.2 (2018)
- Commercial Prototype – Slide Staining Machine v.1 (2013) and v.2 (2017)
- Industrial Prototype – CNC Controller for Milling and Turning Machine (2010)
- Field Prototype – UAV for Wild Fire Monitoring (2020)
Members & Expertise
- Pished Bunnun, Ph.D. : Machine Vision, Digital Real-Time Control System, Robot Operating System, Augmented Reality
- Kittipong Ekkachai, Ph.D. : Optimization, Man-Machine Interface, Neural Network, ROS2
- Wutthiphat Covanich, Ph.D. : Reconfigurable manufacturing system, Digital Real-Time Control System, Machine Vision
- Wuttikorn Chaopramualkul : Motion Control System, CNC & PLC System, Embedded Programming
- Udom Komin : Automated Manufacturing System, Multi-Axis Motion control, Fuzzy Systems, Adaptive Control, Robot Control
- Prakob Komeswarakul : Embedded System, Modbus RTU
- Apicit Tantaworrasilp, Ph.D : Robot Design, Embedded System
- Pongsakorn Seekhao, Ph.D : Man-Machine Interface, Motion Control, Channel Coding in Communications
- Sirichai Nithi-uthai, Ph.D. : Machine Design , Robot Control
- Phanuphan Kwansud : Wiring, SCH & PCB Design, CAD/CAM Design
- Teesid Leelasawassuk, Ph.D. : Image Processing, Machine Vision, Pattern Recognition, Gaze Detection, Machine Learning
- Vitvasin Vimolmongkolporn, Ph.D. : Mechanical Design, Virtual Reality, Robotic, Human-Robot Interactions
- Pichet Pudson : Man-Machine Interface
- Rachan Chaihan : Mechanical Design, Embedded System
- Sukkpranhachai Gatesichapakorn : Machine Vision, Machine Learning, DevOps, Embedded System, Robot Operating System, Backend API
- Nicha Apichitsopa, Ph.D. : Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Image Processing
Contact
Smart Machine and Mixed Reality (SMR)
Industrial IoT and Automation Research Group (IIARG)
National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC)
Tel: (+66) 02-564-6900
email : smr[at]nectec.or.th