Third-year Mechanical Engineering students from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) showcased their engineering skills by developing intelligent Pipeline Inspection Robots (PIRs) as part of their Capstone Design Project, culminating in a final competition held on 8 July 2026 at the Melaka campus. Designed to address challenges faced by industries such as oil and gas, water distribution and process plants, the fully functional robots were built to inspect pipelines safely and efficiently in confined and hazardous environments.
Throughout the project, students went through the entire engineering design process, from concept development and fabrication to testing and validation, while integrating features such as onboard cameras, wireless communication and intelligent control systems. During the competition, the robots navigated a specially designed pipeline test platform that simulated real industrial conditions with bends, inclines and obstacles.
The prototypes were evaluated based on engineering design, innovation, technical performance, functionality and practicality by a panel comprising Mr. Ethan Lim Zhi Hao, Chief Executive Officer of RoboForce PLT, Mr. Cavin Tong Kai Wen, Chief Technology Officer of RoboForce PLT, both FET alumni, together with Dr. Lim Boon Kian and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liew Kia Wai. Outstanding teams were recognised with custom-designed 3D-printed trophies and certificates for their achievements.
The Capstone Design Project provided students with valuable hands-on experience in developing solutions for real industry challenges while strengthening skills in teamwork, project management, communication and problem-solving. The participation of RoboForce PLT added an industry perspective to the project, allowing students to receive constructive feedback and gain a better understanding of current engineering practices. Through initiatives such as this, MMU continues to equip future engineers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to meet the demands of Industry 4.0.
Well done!
