LANGKAWI, May 24 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) made a significant impact at the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA ’25), held from May 20 to 24, 2025, at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre. The university showcased its research prowess through cutting-edge innovations and forged strategic collaborations, reinforcing its position as a leader in engineering and technology.
Revolutionary Robotics for Industrial Needs
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), led by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad ‘Athif Mohd Faudzi, proudly presented two groundbreaking robotic innovations: the INSPECTo Duct and Inspection Robot and the X3CATOR-R robot. These advanced systems are designed to address critical industrial needs, particularly in facility maintenance and early reconnaissance, offering efficient and effective solutions that garnered considerable attention from industry stakeholders. Their presentation underscored UTM’s commitment to commercialisation activities and the direct impact of innovation on improving operational efficiency across various sectors.
USV for Environmental Monitoring
Further demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, UTM also showcased an innovative Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) for Water Quality Monitoring and Survey Applications. Developed by a team led by Ir. Dr. Nik Mohd Ridzuan Shaharuddin from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) / Marine Technology Centre (MTC), this catamaran-type USV, measuring 1.050 meters in length, offers superior stability for inland and riverine environments. Equipped with cloud-based sensors, it provides real-time data on parameters like temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and salinity. While currently remotely operated, future enhancements will include autonomous navigation and expanded sensor capabilities, promising to revolutionize water resource monitoring. This project is a testament to successful academia-industry partnership, funded by the UTM Encouragement Grant (UTMER) and Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (UTM ICC) Prototype Development Fund 2 (PDF2), and developed in collaboration with Omahams Corporation Sdn. Bhd.
Strategic MoU with G7 Aerospace Sdn. Bhd.
A key highlight of UTM’s presence at LIMA ’25 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with G7 Aerospace Sdn. Bhd. The ceremony, held on May 20, 2025, was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Higher Education, YB Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud. The MoU was signed by UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, and G7 Aerospace Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Rosdi Mahmud. The MoU is led by Dr Mastura Ab Wahid from UTM and Head of Engineering. Mohd Izhar Harun from G7 Aerospace Sdn. Bhd.
This strategic partnership focuses on the dynamic aerospace field, with a central role for the UTM Aerolab Research Center, part of the UTM Institute of Sustainable Technology (IST). UTM Aerolab, equipped with state-of-the-art subsonic wind tunnel facilities, brings expertise in aerodynamic testing and simulation, aircraft design optimization, integration and avionics systems, aircraft dynamics, stability and control, structural analysis, and propulsion system performance testing. G7 Aerospace Sdn Bhd is committed to fostering talent by providing industrial training opportunities for both staff and students in the Bachelor of Aeronautical Programme, and actively involving students in yearly events like Aerodex. This collaboration is set to significantly contribute to the growth and advancement of Malaysia’s aerospace industry, creating a synergistic partnership that benefits both education and industry.
LIMA ’25 proved to be a resounding success for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, highlighting its significant contributions to engineering innovation, its dedication to addressing industrial and environmental challenges, and its proactive approach to fostering crucial academia-industry collaborations.