The world is currently facing significant environmental challenges, particularly climate change caused by continuous greenhouse gas emissions from industries and energy consumption. As a result, Decarbonization Technology and Innovation (DTI) plays a crucial role in helping organizations and industries effectively reduce carbon emissions.
The Decarbonization Technology and Innovation Research Team (DTIRT) has developed solutions and platforms for carbon accounting management while introducing smart technologies to support organizations in achieving Net Zero emissions and ensuring sustainability.

Cyber-Physical System or CPS is engineering system that seamlessly integrates physical world with cyber world. Physical world includes all kinds of physical objects such as devices, machines, systems (man-made or natural), environments, and even humans ourselves. Cyber or digital world provides computation and control. Combining the two worlds requires, first and foremost, connectivity among physical things such that they can interact as a network a.k.a. Internet of Things (IoT). IoT also acts as a bridge between the physical and cyber sides of a cyber-physical system. Through sensors, live data can be retrieved from a physical system and processed in the cyber space in order to produce decision, which is then passed back via actuators to control the physical system in continuous, autonomous loops.

CPS is therefore far more comprehensive than IoT as it involves not only connectivity, but also computation and control. It is the scaffold, upon which all the ‘smart’ technologies are built. However, design and implementation of a cyber-physical system are complicated, considering they take interdisciplinary knowledge including computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering (electronics, computer, and control), mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, etc.

For Thailand 4.0 initiative, NECTEC, NSTDA is set to promote CPS as one of its leading technologies going forward. Center for Cyber Physical Systems has been formed from NECTECs three core areas of research expertise: sensors, network/system, and artificial intelligence/data analytics with a mission to facilitate implementation of CPS technology in various economic sectors such as industry, agriculture, and urban infrastructure.

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.