Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and Insanas Enterprise Sdn. Bhd., the producer of "Rassasy", have entered into a ground-breaking Contract Research Agreement to develop a cutting-edge robotic automation system for food processing.

The collaboration, which aims to advance both research and industry standards, will focus on integrating robotic solutions into food preparation, specifically for Insanas Enterprise’s flagship “Ready-to-Eat Hotmeal” products. 

The agreement, signed on September 27, 2024, marks the beginning of a three-year research project that will explore the development of a robotic system to enhance efficiency in food processing and reduce labour costs. The outcome of the research will greatly benefit APU's School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) by providing upcoming hoteliers with tech-based knowledge. 

APU will leverage its expertise in teaching, research, and technology development to spearhead this project, while Insanas Enterprise, a leader in the food and beverage sector, will provide essential financial and technical resources to bring the research to fruition.

Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor of APU, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, as he remarked, "This partnership is a significant step toward advancing research in food automation. By combining APU’s research expertise with Insanas Enterprise’s industry insights, we are paving the way for transformative innovations in food technology that will have a lasting impact on the industry." 

Ms Siti Noraisha binti Sahdan, CEO and Co-founder of Insanas Enterprise emphasised the potential impact of this project on their business operations, saying, "Our vision is to revolutionise food production through the integration of advanced robotic systems. This collaboration with APU enables us to explore innovative solutions that will not only enhance operational efficiency but also set a new benchmark in the food industry." 

The research project, led by Principal Investigator Dr Lian Wen Xun, along with Assistant Professor Dr Lau Chee Yong, Dr Lawrence Soon Kian Lun, and Associate Professor Dr Lai Nai Shyan, all from APU’s School of Engineering (SoE), is divided into three phases. 

The first phase will focus on designing and implementing a robotic arm system for automated bowl handling and noodle transfer in a “one-man kitchen” setting. The second phase will explore robotic solutions to assist in the packing process, while the third phase will delve into automation strategies for packaging sauced noodles and rice meals in bulk. 

With Insanas Enterprise funding the research in phases based on key milestones, the project will utilise a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including robotic arms, computer vision systems, and existing noodle-making machines, to optimise the automation process. 

The collaboration highlights APU’s commitment to innovation and industry-driven research, reinforcing its role as a leading institution in technological advancements. For Insanas Enterprise, the project represents a bold step towards modernising its operations and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive market. 

Both APU and Insanas Enterprise see the partnership as a strategic opportunity to lead the way in food automation. With the food and beverage industry rapidly evolving, this research initiative is set to provide valuable insights and practical solutions that will not only benefit Insanas Enterprise but also have far-reaching applications across the industry.