APU Engineering and Robotics Labs

The Engineering & Robotics Lab at APU is a cutting-edge facility designed to support innovation, experimentation, and hands-on learning in engineering and robotics. This is undertaken in the fully equipped laboratories for Analogue and Digital Electronics, Communication Engineering, Power System, Robotics, PLC Controls, Pneumatics and Automation, Mechanical Equipment, Mechanical Workshop and as well as Materials and Testing Laboratories.

Equipped with modern tools, robotic systems, and advanced engineering equipment, the lab provides students with the opportunity to design, build, and test intelligent systems in a controlled and supportive environment. From electronics and embedded systems to automation and robotics programming, students gain valuable experience in developing real-world engineering solutions.

The lab encourages a project-based learning approach, where students work on individual and group projects that simulate industry scenarios. Through activities such as prototyping, coding, system integration, and testing, students develop strong problem-solving skills, technical competencies, and innovation-driven thinking.

In addition, the Engineering & Robotics Lab fosters collaboration and interdisciplinary learning, allowing students from different fields to work together on complex challenges. This reflects the evolving nature of modern engineering, where robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies intersect.

Supported by APU’s broader ecosystem of technology and innovation facilities, the lab provides access to resources that enhance learning in areas such as automation and smart systems. Students are encouraged to experiment, iterate, and refine their ideas, preparing them for the demands of the engineering and technology industries.

In order to enable students to learn and understand the latest high-tech engineering design and simulation techniques, software such as MATLAB, LabView, NI Multisim and SolidWorks have been installed in the Engineering Design laboratory. Students can use all these facilities to complete engineering assignments and design projects.

At APU, the Engineering & Robotics Lab is more than just a technical space - it is an innovation hub where ideas are transformed into intelligent solutions, shaping future engineers and technology leaders.

OMILAB@APU (Enterprise Modelling Lab) - As the only NODE is South East Asia and 2nd in Asia, the Lab is certified by OMILab Berlin, Germany and runs in partnership with the University of Vienna. OMiLAB@APU is dedicated to the exploration and application of Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) approaches in Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL). The lab focuses on bridging the gap between instructional requirements and software architectures promoting infrastructures that facilitate TEL system implementation. APU provides a well-defined framework for researchers to innovate towards Smart City Developments. These competences include competence modelling, proficiency level understanding, and competence development.

APCoRE (Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics) - started in 2014, focus areas has been in healthcare developing haptics & exoskeleton limbs then on to humanoid robots plus AGVs for manufacturing and functional cobots for the hospitality industry. The key industry partners are ABB, ERASMUS, Unitree & National Sports Institute. Prominent innovations are the Haptics designs for the National Paralympians and AI Computer Vision solutions for Taekwondo scoring & Badminton Player Skill Monitoring for the National Sports Institute.

SIEMENS Authorized Training Centre (SATC) - established in 2025 at our PLC/Pneumatics Lab, the SATC is a recognition given to APU expertise in utilization SIEMENS software and PLC SIMATIC S7 current and trending industrial applications for training and embedment into our engineering programme curriculums. SIMATIC Step 7 is used for programming S7-300, S7-1200, and S7-1500 systems. These SIEMENS tools are used for tasks such as designing product controls, optimizing manufacturing processes, simulating performances, and managing data transfer across HMIs. Our partnership with SIEMENS ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of the digital revolution and continue to lead the way in innovation through an IR4.0 connected curriculum. 

ALTAIR Certified Robotics Lab, Engineering Design Lab & CAD/CAM Lab
Launched on 14th June 2024, the Altair Certified Lab at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) stands as Malaysia's premier industry-accredited facility for advanced simulation, data analytics, and computational engineering — a landmark collaboration between CREDIT (Centre for Research and Development of IoT), APU, Altair Engineering, and ORS Technologies. Certified across four strategic pillars — IoT, High-Performance Computing, Data Analytics, and Simulation — the lab empowers undergraduate Mechatronic Engineering students with mastery of world-class tools including Altair SimLab, Knowledge Studio, Monarch, and RapidMiner, bridging the critical gap between academic learning and industry-grade competency. The facility operates under Altair's rigorous certification standards: Altair-certified lecturers, annual refresh training, a minimum throughput of 50 trained users across four or more sessions per year, and fully licensed, up-to-date software on specification-compliant hardware. Since its inauguration, the lab has delivered a series of high-impact training programmes — from a 400+ participants SimLab intensive on thermal analysis and topology optimisation to a dedicated "Simulation Driven Design" seminar — cementing APU's reputation as a forward-thinking institution that equips the next generation of engineers with the simulation-driven skills demanded by Industry 4.0 and beyond.

APU MakerSpace - The MakerSpace has been designed as replica to MIT’s MakerSpace in the USA. The student-run makerspace is fitted with a variety of fabrication equipment, a cleanroom section, latest 3D printers and a strong APU student maker community. In the spaces which is divided to 2 sections – 1) CAD/CAM and 2) FabLab –where all types of projects (hobby, research, class modules, entrepreneurship) and all levels of experience (from none at all to seasoned experts) can utilize the space to build ideas into physical models. 

AGRHI Hub - established in 2025 under the Agricultural Revitalisation in Higher Education Institutions of Asian Countries (AGRHI) project, funded by Erasmus+, the European Union’s programme for education, training, youth, and sport. The AGRHI Hub is more than just a glasshouse – it is a digital innovation ecosystem. Designed to empower students, researchers, and industry partners, the hub integrates advanced technologies such as Robotics for harvesting, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for plant health monitoring, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for climatic conditioning data, and Drone Technology in ground plantation area mapping to revolutionise modern farming practices. Current systems include two Nutrient Film Technique setups, a Vertical Tower system, an auto-pot section for tall plants, and a dedicated nursery for seedlings.