We are delighted to share the achievement of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) team in the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2021 (CIPTA 2021) on 16 June 2021. The team members were Mr. Kang Chun Quan (postgraduate student), Ir Ts Dr. Ng Poh Kiat (Supervisor), and Dr. Liew Kia Wai (Co-supervisor) won the first consolation prize under the ASEAN Category for New Invention and Innovation with their project “Self-Powered Multifunctional Lawnmower”. Organised by Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), the competition is held on a biennial basis since 2005 and covers all areas of Science, Technology, and Engineering.

In this competition, CIPTA is appropriately known as Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement. The invention was officially patent-filed (PI 2020005912) for a self-powered robotic lawnmower that also works as a floor polisher by substituting its thin circular disc of cutting blades with a polishing pad. Various sensors were used for obstacle avoidance, boundary detection, and emergency lift sensing. The invention can also be remote-controlled using a smartphone through the connection of Bluetooth.

Around 15 university-level projects from various countries were shortlisted for this competition under the ASEAN category, out of which only 5 were chosen as winners for a 1st prize, 2nd prize, 3rd prize, 1st consolation prize, and 2nd consolation prize. The team members also expressed their gratitude to the faculty and the Dean for their support in the project work through various means.

Congratulations!