The HEART/NSTA Trust’s first Autonomous Mobile and Aerial Robotics Lab was opened at the agency’s College of Innovation and Technology (HCIT) in Montego Bay, St. James.
HEART’s Managing Director, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, who spoke during the opening ceremony, noted that the lab’s establishment in Montego Bay was largely spurred by the growth of industries in the region, “and… the wider Jamaica where automation and digitisation are driving and promulgating productivity”.
Consequently, she said the HCIT’s programmes will now incorporate wide-ranging robotics skills training to aid Jamaica’s preparation and transition to digital society.
“The HCIT programme’s offerings will now include Autonomous Mobile Robotics, Aerial Robotics and Additive Manufacturing with a focus on 3D printing,” the Managing Director shared.
Dr. Ingleton maintained that with the addition of the programmes, Jamaica’s economy will benefit significantly over time.
“We know that it is expensive to do this as a [business] start-up. But we also understand that while the initial investment in robotics technology can be significant over time, it often leads to substantial cost savings and reduced labour costs,” she outlined.
Dr. Ingleton added that though there will be a reduction in labour costs, “the integration of robotics necessitates upskilling and reskilling of the workforce to operate and maintain these advanced systems”.
She emphasised that HEART is unwavering in its resolve to keep abreast of ever-changing developments in order to be adequately prepared for any advancements in the business sector.
“We forecast, we do the research, we are on top of our game, so that when a company comes in or there is a demand from industry, we don’t have to be training to catch up. We are ready to provide you (the industry) with the [trained] individuals [needed],” Dr. Ingleton stated.
