Through their integration of advanced technologies like autonomous navigation and localization, swarm robotics, and AI-driven sensor fusion; APU students have demonstrated a wide range of capabilities, winning first prize for an innovative motorcycle blind spot detection system, securing second prizes for both marine pollution mitigation using swarm intelligence and autonomous cargo delivery, and earning a third prize for industrial safety enhancements.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) students achieved remarkable success at the Institute of Engineers Malaysia’s (IEM) Integrated Design Project (IDP) Short Video Competition 2025, demonstrating exceptional engineering talent and forward-thinking solutions to modern challenges. 

Winning first prize for an innovative motorcycle blind spot detection system, and further securing second prizes for both marine pollution mitigation through swarm intelligence and autonomous cargo delivery, alongside a third prize for industrial safety enhancements, APU students showcased their ability to integrate advanced technologies like 2D LiDAR, swarm robotics, and AI-driven sensor fusion. 

Their projects, ranging from environmental clean-up to industrial safety, underscored the university’s commitment to fostering industry-ready graduates capable of addressing real-world problems, a testament to the effective mentorship and supportive academic environment provided by APU’s School of Engineering (SoE) and Center of Research and Development of IoT (CREDIT).

The top honour for 1st Prize - Most Innovative Approach: Enhancing Motorcycle Safety with Blind Spot Detection was claimed by Ronak Robert Vijai Anand with his Guardian Defence Unit, ground-breaking motorcycle blind spot detection system. 

Driven by the rising tide of motorcycle accidents caused by blind spots, he developed a sophisticated safety solution for riders.

Their innovative system harnesses 2D LiDAR technology to detect objects lurking in a rider’s blind spots, delivering alerts based on meticulously calibrated thresholds. 

“This clever solution addresses a critical safety concern that impacts a vast global community of motorcycle users,” Ronak explained.

Tackling Marine Pollution with Swarm Intelligence

The 2nd Prize - Best Collaboration award was bestowed upon Chung Yu Qin, Ong Ji Lik, Loke Kun Ming, and Tey Yi Xian for their Tackling Marine Pollution with Swarm Intelligence, an Autonomous Seabin project, a testament to the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in creating an environmental solution with global impact. 

Their project introduces a swarm-based system featuring multiple autonomous catamaran vessels, designed to collect marine plastic debris. The sophisticated coordination, enabled by wireless communication modules and swarm intelligence, allows for thorough coverage of expansive marine areas.

The team demonstrated remarkable collaborative skill, seamlessly integrating diverse technologies, including GPS navigation, water jet propulsion, microplastic collection mechanisms, and a bespoke Python GUI for real-time monitoring. 

“Our solution can capture particles as small as 2.5mm and has the potential to boost waste collection efficiency by up to 50% compared to traditional methods,” said Yu Qin.

Judges were particularly impressed by the team members’ ability to blend their diverse expertise to address a range of design considerations, from hydrodynamic optimisation to environmental sustainability, including the use of recyclable PETG materials and the potential for solar-powered operation.

Revolutionising Cargo Delivery with Autonomous Technology

The team comprising Muhammad Kemal Hasan Benisaputra, Danny Binian, Arvin Ravindran, Jacques Juicy Patureau Ravina, and Muhammad Safin Muhammad Fazri distinguished themselves with 2nd Prize - Most Innovative Approach: Revolutionizing Cargo Delivery with Autonomous Technology, an Outdoor Cargo Drone. 

“Our innovation represents a significant leap forward from conventional Autonomous Roadside Delivery Robots (ARDRs), addressing inherent limitations in current technologies,” Muhammad Kemal explained. 

The team’s solution features a robust quadrupedal robotic platform with motorised rear wheels and swivel front wheels, enabling traversal of challenging terrains, a notable improvement over existing delivery drones confined to smooth surfaces. 

The drone incorporates Ultra-Wideband (UWB) localisation technology, achieving pinpoint positioning accuracy even in GPS-denied environments, through the use of sophisticated triangulation techniques. 

Notably, the drone’s intelligent navigation system, powered by a Hybrid A* algorithm, dynamically recalculates optimal paths in response to encountered obstacles. 

Coupled with real-time object detection via TensorFlow and Time-of-Flight laser sensing, the drone can identify and navigate around both static and dynamic obstacles with exceptional precision. 

The team’s comprehensive solution also includes a user-friendly mobile application developed using Flutter and VIAM, facilitating remote monitoring and control. This multifaceted approach to autonomous cargo delivery demonstrates significant innovation in addressing contemporary logistical challenges. 

Enhancing Industrial Safety with Sensor Fusion

Yeap Jing Xian, Chan Shing Yung, Chung Woo Jin, and Chia Yew Kit received the 3rd Prize for Best Real-World Relevance for their Quadrupedal Sensor System. 

“Our project directly addresses critical safety issues in industrial environments, particularly the hazards associated with gas leaks and thermal anomalies,” said Jing Xian.

The team’s solution integrates a sensor fusion system mounted on a quadrupedal robot, combining thermal imaging with gas detection capabilities. 

This innovation eliminates the need for human personnel to enter potentially hazardous areas for inspection and monitoring.

A key aspect of their approach is the implementation of artificial intelligence for the predictive analysis of potential gas leaks, utilising thermal data to forecast pipe temperatures up to five minutes in advance. 

This predictive capability enables proactive maintenance and significantly reduces the risk of industrial accidents.

Judges recognised the immediate real-world applicability of this technology across various industries, particularly in chemical processing plants and refineries where conventional detection methods often expose workers to hazardous conditions.

Mentorship and Support

APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer Prof Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam said, “These awards reflect our commitment to developing Malaysia’s talent pipeline in alignment with the nation’s vision for technological advancement and innovation leadership.”

He added that, “At APU, we are dedicated to fostering engineering students who can engage in critical analysis and develop solutions that address real-world challenges. 

“The success of our students at the IEM competition underscores the efficacy of our educational approach in producing industry-ready graduates who will contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s economic transformation and technological self-reliance.”

The achievements of these accomplished students were also facilitated by the dedicated mentorship of Head of Center of Research and Development of IoT (CREDIT) Dipl-Ing Inv Ir Narendran Ramasenderan and Mr Krishna Ravinchandra. 

Together with the support of APU’s distinguished School of Engineering (SoE), students were provided with the knowledge and encouragement necessary to translate innovative concepts into functional prototypes.

The supportive academic environment cultivated by Head of SoE, Assoc Prof Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan, and his faculty members: Ir Ts Dr Denesh Sooriamoorthy, Ir Ts Dr Yvette Shaan-Li Susiapan, Assoc Prof Ts Dr Sathish Kumar Selva Perumal, Ir Dr Hafizul Azizi Ismail @ Aziz, Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong, and Assistant Professor Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of innovative engineers.

These innovations in motorcycle safety systems, autonomous delivery, environmental remediation, and industrial safety illustrate how engineering excellence can address pressing societal challenges. 

As these talented students pursue their academic and professional journeys, their creative approaches and technical proficiencies hold significant promise for shaping the future of engineering innovation.

The recognition from IEM, a respected professional engineering organisation, validates the quality and relevance of the education provided at APU, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex technological landscape.