“RDECOM has numerous collaborative engagements with universities and
this includes research and development projects, conference support and
a visiting scientist program,” Andy Wood told AIT. He stated that
RDECOMs is looking to expand its research efforts in Thailand. Current
issues of interest for the military include adaptation of equipment in
harsh environment conditions, including forests and deserts, he said.
Technology challenges faced by the military include aerospace material
corrosion, counter improvised explosive device, and photonic sensors
and systems.
AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, welcomed the two teams
stating that AIT concentrates on research that is relevant to the needs
of the region, and it will be happy to offer its expertise. Prof.
Kanchana Kanchanasut, Vice President for Research presented an overview
of research activities at AIT. Presenting AIT’s work were Dr. Matthew
Dailey, Dr. Pisut Koomsap and Dr. Manukid Panichkun, all of AIT’s
School of Engineering and Technology.
Dr. Dailey illustrated the video analytics research being conducted at
AIT. “We have integrated video analysis with information systems,” Dr.
Dailey remarked, adding that this system is already operational. He
highlighted the largest video wall being used in Thailand, and the work
that AIT had done in the field of suspicious behaviour detection. Three
dimensional modeling of indoor and outdoor spaces, traffic analytics,
vehicle number-plate detection and security of public spaces were the
other highlights of the presentation.
Dr. Pisut Koomsap spoke about the work done in material manufacturing.
Elaborating of the research being conducted at AIT, he stressed that
the focus is on helping people live better — both physically and
emotionally. He presented laser-based coating removal processes, and
spoke about 3-D printing that makes it easier for local manufacturing
obviating the need to ship manufactured parts.
Dr. Manukid Panichkun elaborated on unmanned and remote-controlled
tanks, power-suits for soldiers, underwater robots which displayed four
degrees of freedom, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite tracking
systems, dynamic balancing of inflight rockets and missiles, and using
an assortment of spy bots.
Dr. Louis Gabor Hornyak, Director, Center for Excellence in
Nanotechnology; Dr. Surachet Pravinvongvuth of School of Engineering
and Technology (SET); Dr. Apinun Tunpan, Senior Research Specialist,
Internet Education and Research Laboratory (intERLab); Dr. Gabrielle
Groves Punyaratabandhu, Head, External Relations and Communications
Office (ERCO); and Ms. Wannapa Pliansri, Coordinator, Royal Thai
Government (RTG) Relations, ERCO also joined the meeting.