DTI Aims to Open ₱400M Tech Factory in 2021

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aims to begin operations of the Industry 4.0 pilot factory that highlights advanced technologies in the area of Calabarzon by next year, according to a senior trade official.

DTI’s Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba has mentioned that the costs for this Industry 4.0 pilot factory are estimated to be ₱300 – 400 million and will cover operating and capital expenditures to construct the government artificial intelligence (AI) sandbox.

Part of the agency’s Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (PS) is to transform the Philippine Industries and make them globally competitive and innovative. The Industry 4.0 pilot factory will be home to advanced technology such as drones, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, and others.

“The expenditures include installation of modular cyber physical proof of concept line, technology, and advanced analytics software, R&D (research and development) training subsidies, etc.,” said Undersecretary Aldaba.

She also mentioned that “We are partnering with tech companies who would bring in advanced manufacturing equipment like robots, intelligent manufacturing systems, cyber-physical systems, etc.,”

The facility is expected to have a demonstration area and tech space.

Undersecretary Aldaba says that the Union Bank of the Philippines and tech company, Siemens is the first partner of the agency for the Industry 4.0 pilot factory.

During the SGV tax symposium, Undersecretary Aldaba mentioned that DTI is looking at partnerships with large companies to bring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to the Industry 4.0 pilot factory.

The facility aims to give this advanced tech to local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-up companies that do not have the money to invest in this kind of equipment.

Source: Philippine News Agency