NIBONG TEBAL, 14 December 2024 – The NI Autonomous Robotics Competition (NI ARC) 2024, co-organised by NI Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through SAINS@USM and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, was held at the Main Hall, USM Engineering Campus, today.

Marking the 7th consecutive year of NI ARC, this competition focused on developing STEM innovations and technology prototypes, aimed at fostering creativity, learning, and innovation among university students in the field of Autonomous Robotics.

This year’s theme, “Robots in Search & Rescue: Blaze Buster,” challenged students to design robotic solutions for forest fire response.

The competition required participants to integrate navigation, victim rescue, and fire extinguishing capabilities, pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, the Director of the Research Creativity and Management Office (RCMO), Professor Dr. Zainovia Lockman emphasised the significance of the event and the partnership between USM and NI.

“As we share a common vision to expand students' capabilities in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), we believe that NI ARC is a great platform for students to have an innovative learning experience with the industry,” said Zainovia.

“Through events like this, USM aims to expose the students involved to critical and innovative thinking, as well as advanced Industry 4.0 technology through the involvement of experts from NI who share their experience and knowledge,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Community Impact & STEM at NI Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Noor Azian Abd Wahab, expressed her delight and satisfaction at seeing the commitment from the supervisors and students in this competition. 

“Every year, we have observed a significant improvement in the efforts, dedication, and performance displayed by all the participants throughout the competition,” she stated.

A total of 13 teams participated in the competition, with students from institutions including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang, and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

In total, 65 students and supervisors from these universities and NI participated in the competition.

Two teams made it to the Final Round; they were Airost from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Atom from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

The championship title was claimed by Airost, with Atom securing second place. Both teams showcased their excellent dedication and enthusiasm in the Final Round.

Meanwhile, Electralite from UiTM Penang secured third place, proving their remarkable determination and efforts in the competition.

This year, a brand-new category, the NI Creativity and Innovation Award, was introduced. The winner of this category was the USM F4 team, who received the award for their exceptional creativity and innovation demonstrated throughout the competition.

Also present at today’s event was the Dean of the USM School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin Sundi@Suandi.

Text: Muiz Syafiq Md Hassam (UiTM Internship Student)/Photo: Farid Hamidi