Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proudly announces the appointment of Ts Suresh Gobee as the Permanent Member of the Drafting Committee of Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Employment in the Robotics Industry.

This esteemed position was granted by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia, recognising his exceptional contributions and expertise in robotics engineering.

APU’s Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering (SoE) and Head of the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Research (APCoRE), Ts Suresh Gobee, has achieved this prestigious appointment based on his professional strength and extensive experience. This milestone marks an inaugural record for APU, as Ts Suresh becomes the sole faculty member from private higher learning institutions in the country to be appointed to this national committee.

Graduated with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University Sains Malaysia (USM), Ts Suresh Gobee has over 18 years of lecturing and research experience in robotics engineering. During his 16-year tenure at APU, he has been actively involved in numerous robotics projects, collaborating with both private and public sectors.

Following his appointment, Ts Suresh will commence his duty at the Drafting Committee of Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Employment in the Robotics Industry. He will primarily focus on developing safety guidelines for employers and employees in Malaysia's robotics industry.

“The safety guidelines will look into types of robots used in industries for different functionalities such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, construction, and service. The guidelines will list out some of the safety protocols and risk assessments for workers working with or handling the robots in their daily tasks,” explained Ts Suresh.

He further emphasised, “We must ensure their safety, especially during maintenance or troubleshooting processes, as robots can move unpredictably, causing injury or even death. As such, this guideline is important in ensuring the safety of the robot operators or anyone working with robots in the industry.”

Ts Suresh’s appointment was warmly welcomed by the APU community. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan remarked, “With Ts. Suresh’s appointment by DOSH, Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia, he will be joining the Drafting Committee for Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Employment in the Robotics Industry. This is a great recognition for APU as a key player in the field of robotics, and we look forward to collaborating more on government initiatives in the robotics field in the future.”

APU’s robotics education for engineering students is supported by first-class engineering teaching facilities, including APCoRE, established in 2013 to bridge theory and practice and equipped with the Virtual Operated Robotic Arm (VORA), which integrates virtual reality (VR) technology and engineering for multiple applications.

In the past 11 years, APCoRE has advanced 3D object printing technology and delved into humanoid developments by incorporating autonomous robots, vision and AI, digital twin in IR4.0 systems, biomedical devices, and a new area introducing smart farming.

One notable success story at APCoRE is the development of rehabilitation devices and robotic exoskeletons designed to improve ambulation and enhance mobility for individuals with various neurological disabilities. This project has potential impacts on the medical, retail, and service sectors.

APU celebrates Ts Suresh Gobee’s remarkable achievements and his significant contributions to the field of robotics, underscoring the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation.