Bosch teams up with Singapore Polytechnic in IoT training push

Bosch and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) have opened two learning labs in the latter’s campus to train students on the use of the internet of things (IoT) in manufacturing.

Through simulations of advanced manufacturing processes on a scaled-down smart factory system, the students will be able to try their hands at using IoT devices to capture and analyse sensor data to optimise manufacturing processes, said Lim Joo Ghee, deputy director of technology innovation and external relations in SP.

Holographic lenses, for example, can be used to detect anomalies in data collected by IoT sensors in equipment designed to help maintenance teams identify specific parts that require servicing, Lim said.

The two labs will also expose students to IoT technologies applied in other areas such as mobility and utilities, where IoT-enabled energy monitoring systems can be used to track and optimise energy consumption.

Around 800 engineering students, who will apply their skills in IoT and data analytics school projects, are expected to be trained each year.

Besides setting up the two labs, which cost S$800,000 (US$585,780) in total, Bosch will offer internships and practical training for SP students, said Michael Goh, Bosch’s ASEAN sales director. It will also conduct short IoT training courses for working professionals under Singapore’s SkillsFuture national training scheme.

Chee Hong Tat, senior minister of state for trade and industry as well as education, said with Singapore moving into advanced manufacturing, such partnerships between Bosch and SP will enhance the capabilities of education institutions and industries, and play an important role in building a skilled workforce.

Singapore has been positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation in advanced manufacturing in recent years.

In November 2017, the government launched the Singapore Smart Industry Readiness Index, which can be used by companies to evaluate their current standing, and map out possible next steps in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.

It has also committed $2.4bn in research and development (R&D) in advanced manufacturing under its Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 plan.

In a major win for the city-state, HP opened a facility in Singapore last December to oversee more than 50 print supplies manufacturing lines around the world, and test the use of robots, data analytics and 3D printing to improve its production efficiency.