Taguig City – Singapore and Denmark are two of the top countries that showcase an interest in the development and utilization of industrial robots. The advancement of robotics in these countries is associated with a highly automated car manufacturing sector and other industries such as metal and machinery, rubber and plastic, and food and beverage (International Federation of Robotics [IFR], 2024).

Question is: Can the Philippines adopt the strategies of Singapore and Denmark to boost robotics R&D and commercialization?

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) formally concluded the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) engagement of Dr. Albert J. Causo through an exit presentation highlighting his key contributions to advancing robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 initiatives in the country.

Dr. Causo, CEO & Co-Founder of Hand Plus Robotics Pte. Ltd. and Co-founder & Program Director of ALGOrhythm Robotics Center, Inc, served as a Balik Scientist for DOST–Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST–MIRDC) across multiple phases in 2025. During his engagement, he provided strategic guidance and technical expertise to strengthen the capabilities of the Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL), particularly in support of the Connected and Unified Autonomous Technologies with Automation and Robotics (CUATRO) Program.

Throughout his BSP engagement, Dr. Causo worked closely with DOST-MIRDC in building operational systems for the CUATRO SMART Hub, developing standard operating procedures, engaging different stakeholders, and shaping strategic directions for Industry 4.0 initiatives. His work extended beyond institutional planning, involving sustained engagement with manufacturing firms and other types of businesses, technology providers, universities, local government units, and DOST regional offices.

“Dr. Causo’s accomplishments are steps forward in accelerating IR 4.0 in the nation, all through robotics and automation R&D. By providing technical guidance and strategic support to two of MIRDC’s key initiatives: the AMERIAL Project and the CUATRO Project, we believe his contributions would significantly elevate the quality and relevance of our researches and help position MIRDC as a center of excellence in advanced manufacturing,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.

The exit presentation highlighted DOST–MIRDC’s strategic role as a national lynchpin for Industry 4.0, positioning AMERIAL as a hub for capability building, innovation, and partnership development in robotics and automation. DOST Undersecretary for R&D Dr. Leah J. Buendia expressed optimism over expanding Dr. Causo’s partnership with DOST, noting that his contributions “strongly reflect the spirit of the BSP—bringing global knowledge and experience home to advance national development.”

Drawing from international best practices, Dr. Causo shared lessons from Singapore and Denmark on building strong linkages among research institutions, industry players, and government to accelerate robotics research, commercialization, and Industry 4.0 adoption. He emphasized the importance of coordinated policy support, industry-driven R&D, and sustained capability building to translate research outputs into deployable technologies.

An open forum followed the presentation, where Dr. Causo emphasized the need for Philippine robotics R&D to respond more directly to on-the-ground industry realities. He noted that “research efforts must be driven by actual business pain points, particularly those faced by MSMEs.” He encouraged closer collaboration where the industry actively challenges the academe to develop solutions aligned with operational requirements. He also highlighted that “Industry 4.0 investments only create value when they improve productivity—allowing firms to take on more orders reliably, expand operations, create jobs, and stimulate broader economic activity.”

Addressing faculty members and academic institutions exploring robotics R&D, Dr. Causo expressed his willingness to support curriculum development and conduct of R&D as a way to help jumpstart research, talent formation, and long-term capability building.

Through initiatives such as the BSP and CUATRO Program, the DOST continues to provide local industries with access to global expertise, shared R&D facilities, and innovation platforms needed to accelerate robotics development and commercialization.

By strengthening industry–academe–government collaboration, building technical capabilities, and aligning research with industry needs, these initiatives aim to help Philippine manufacturers, particularly MSMEs, gradually close the gap with more advanced economies and transition toward a competitive, Industry 4.0-ready future.

REFERENCE:
International Federation of Robotics. (2024). World Robotics 2024: Press conference [PDF]. https://ifr.org/img/worldrobotics/Press_Conference_2024.pdf

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