The Department of Science and Technology-MIMAROPA (DOST-MIMAROPA) organized and facilitated the conduct of an onsite assessment and consultation for selected Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Oriental Mindoro to promote the application of mechatronics and automation technology in businesses operations last April 18-22, 2022. The assessment and consultation were led by a team of experts from the Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL) in collaboration with Mindoro State University (MinSU).
AMERIAL is the newest, state-of-the-art facility and unit of Metals Industry Research and Development Center of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-MIRDC). AMERIAL and its services will drive local industries particularly MSMEs to higher levels of productivity using cutting-edge technologies with improved capabilities to advance business interests; having a more competitive local business sector with enhanced skills in mechatronics, robotics, and industrial automation; and having a workforce equipped with knowledge and skill adaptive to the Industry 4.0.
A total of 14 DOST-assisted MSMEs and community-based enterprises (CBEs) were visited. MSMEs and CBEs come from various industries including food processing, aquaculture, agriculture, furniture, and information and communications technologies. The team conducted free assessment and consultation on the automation of business processes that may contribute to the enhancement of the firms’ productivity and efficiency. In addition, the team also provided free troubleshooting and checkup of equipment for MSMEs.
During the assessment, experts from AMERIAL conducted maintenance and repair of one of the JM@JM Furniture equipment (multiple-use woodworking machine) which was inoperative for the past month due to lack of needed expert-technician and spare parts.