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July 28, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and the Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) discussed possible areas of collaboration in robotics, automation, and industrial technology during a meeting held on July 27, 2026, at the Office of the President, Administration Building, USM, in Kabacan, Cotabato.
During the visit, DOST-MIRDC introduced the Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL) and the Connected and Unified Autonomous Technologies with Automation and Robotics (CUATRO) Program, initiatives that connect higher education institutions with DOST-MIRDC for technical consultation, information-sharing, and research-related discussions.
Von Jansen G. Comedia, Science Research Specialist II from the Prototyping Division of DOST-MIRDC, explained that the CUATRO Program provides partner institutions with access to technical consultations, expert advice, and information on automation and robotics that may be used in research, instruction, and extension activities.
Comedia also presented AMERIAL, DOST-MIRDC’s facility for robotics, mechatronics, and industrial automation. He discussed the laboratory’s work in smart manufacturing, robotics applications, and automation systems, as well as the services that DOST-MIRDC can provide to academic institutions and other organizations.
The meeting also included discussions on possible collaboration between DOST-MIRDC and USM in areas related to research, instruction, extension, and technology-related initiatives.
Present during the meeting were USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel; Director of the Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (IPTTBDO) and USMART Technology Business Incubator (TBI), Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom; Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Dr. Maricel G. Dayaday; project leaders and staff of USMART TBI; and other university personnel.
