ISKANDAR PUTERI, Apr 25 – A group of 12 students and four lecturers from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), conducted an engaging technology-driven programme combining 3D design and printing of Medibox with drone technology Medifly in healthcare applications with the participants from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) students. The programme, held at Newcastle University Malaysia, Educity, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, aimed to expose students to practical biomedical innovation through hands-on activities and collaborative learning.

The one-day programme began with total participants attended were 12 people coming from students and NUMed staff. An introductory briefing session was given to the participants first to help them understand the upcoming activities. Participants are divided into groups and assisted by UTM students as facilitators during the activities. The Medibox module started with a 3D design workshop, conducted by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Hanif Ramlee, focusing on designing Medibox using Computer-Aided Design (CAD). The design of the Medibox was done in the Onshape software, and the workshop guided them step by step, exploring the features of the software for designing the Medibox.

The Medibox module continued with a 3D printing session instructed by Dr. Mohamad Ikhwan Jamaludin, where participants translated their digital designs into physical prototypes. The workshop provided students with valuable exposure to additive manufacturing, a growing field in biomedical engineering. Dr Ikhwan started the workshop by briefing about 3D printers in general and their applications and proceeded to print out a few models of the Medibox design that the participants had earlier designed.

In the afternoon session, participants were introduced to the Medifly 1 module, where a short briefing on the working principles of drone flying and a drone simulation activity led by the robotics team consisting of 4 students. Participants first learned about the basic principles of drones in general and how drones can be programmed and controlled through simulation software, particularly in the context of medical delivery systems. The simulation was done in a separate room with specialised drone joysticks that can access the drone virtually and have the same controls as a real-life drone flying concept.

This was followed by the Medifly 2 module, where students applied their knowledge in a real-world setting by flying drones to transport their designed medibox. The activity emphasised teamwork, problem-solving, and the integration of engineering with healthcare solutions. The activity was designed to be a competition where there was a series of obstacles along the flying path, where the technical drone skills of each group could be tested to see who is the most skilled drone user. Each group needs to complete the course without falling, and each loop must be passed to score points.

The programme concluded with a closing ceremony and prize-giving session, where outstanding groups in the Medifly 2 challenge were recognised for their performance and innovation. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs of NUMed, Assoc. Prof. Dr Vivian Verbo attended the closing ceremony as the NUMed representative alongside Dr. Aryyany Nasir.

Overall, the programme was a success, and a lot of the participants enjoyed it. This programme provided participants with a hands-on learning experience while fostering innovation and interest in advancing healthcare delivery.