NSTDA, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Autodesk will aim to jointly establish a Digital Manufacturing Platform in support of the National Digital Economy Master Plan. This will provide up to 100,000 engineers and vocational professionals from companies of all sizes with subscription-based access to Autodesk’s 3D design, manufacturing, simulation, and collaboration tools, services and training for three years.
Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology, Thailand says that the country will need to adapt in this 21st century world from a Thailand 3.0 model to a ‘Thailand 4.0 model’, in order to advance further into a developed country. This is to support Thailand in changing from a country with ‘middle income’ to ‘high income’, moving the economy from one that operates on ‘performance’ to one that progresses through ‘innovation’.
“One of the initiatives and mechanisms for moving into an economy of Thailand 4.0 is through the use of technology in Industry 4.0, which will adopt the greater use of digital technologies in manufacturing. A special element of this is the ability to directly connect the needs of consumers to the manufacturing process, which implies that larger factories would not necessarily be a competitive edge or limitation for operators any longer. This phenomenon will indeed have an immense impact on the economy’s infrastructure,” adds Durongkaveroj.
Autodesk and NSTDA will support local SMEs in using digital technologies in their design and manufacturing processes, as well as elevating the capabilities of Thai talent to be ready for the manufacturing industry of the future. Moreover, this leads to the creation of value in industries, which coincides with the policy objectives of the government, such as in the biotechnology industry, renewable energy, engineering and design industries related to enhancing the quality of life, and the creative economy industry, which will strengthen the country further.
“Manufacturing is critical to our economy. Digital manufacturing technologies and talent development will propel Thailand forward in a highly competitive market. The Digital Manufacturing Platform powered by Autodesk technologies will help local players increase the pace of innovation, and promote connectivity and collaboration in alignment to the government’s Digital Economy goals,” says Thaweesak Koanantakool, President, The National Science and Technology Development Agency.
Two key technologies within the Digital Manufacturing Platform are Autodesk’s Fusion 360 and A360 Team. Available for Mac, PC or mobile, Fusion 360 is an integrated, connected, and accessible tool built for the new ways products are being designed and made. It brings together computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD, CAM and CAE). It also provides the context to understand all aspects of a project and collaborate with everyone participating through the use of A360 Team. A360 modernizes the way people work together and captures all project information and activity, giving teams a central place to collaborate.
“Technologies like the Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality, robotics and additive manufacturing are disrupting the industry. The Digital Manufacturing Platform gives local talent and companies the tools to transform every link in the manufacturing value chain, and the opportunity for Thailand to lead in the Future of Making Things,” says Rama Tiwari, Regional Director, Sales, Autodesk ASEAN.
The Digital Manufacturing Platform is one of several initiatives in the on-going collaboration between NSTDA and Autodesk to support Thailand’s Digital Economy. Other focus areas include joint research programs and building the technology platform to support the nation’s Smart Cities initiatives.
