The usage of artificial intelligence (A.I.) robotic technology at Pasar Ayam Amanjaya since November last year has opened up new possibilities towards more systematic and latest market management methods.
A.I. is in line with demands of the new norm in facing the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, besides reducing dependency on foreign labour.
The ‘low touch, high tech’ A.I. robotic technology is undergoing a sandbox calibration phase in real-time environments to obtain information regarding functional and design effectiveness, safety levels, regulatory compliance and economic impact.
According to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Khairy Jamaluddin, A.I. also helps various industrial sectors in generating an economy in a safe and comfortable environment.
He added, low touch technology is an approach which is derived from high-impact technology for society in the continuation of daily life by minimising physical contact and face-to-face interactions.
“For instance, eight cleaning workers can be exchanged for just one worker to monitor a robot’s movements.
“Thus, we can utilise the same technology on other focal sectors such as transportation, construction, housing, local governments, health, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.”
He told reporters so during a media session of the A.I. robotic technology launching ceremony at the poultry market next to Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Ipoh here today (March 16).
Present were the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, Executive Councillor for Domestic Trade and Consumerism, National Integration and Civil Society, Dato’ Abdul Yunus Jamahri and the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, among others.
The initiative is led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
The project was funded by the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox grant under MOSTI which is part of the National Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) initiative.
Robots tested in the poultry market include one for cleaning, one equipped with a vehicle for transporting goods and one for picking and discarding trash.
The robots were named based on localities of Perak, which are Badang Manjoi, Badang Tambun and Badang Gopeng.
Meanwhile, Zuraida informed, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and MOSTI will continue collaborating in efforts to upgrade public infrastructures via technology and innovation from local research and development (R&D).
“This is in line with the goal of making Malaysia a high-tech nation and thus, it’ll require cooperation from all parties in building a modern, green and smart ecosystem,” she expressed.
Chris Teh
