Filipino experts from various fields have been leaving the Philippines for decades in pursuit of greater opportunities abroad. To address the impact of this brain drain on national development, the Philippine government established the Balik Scientist Program (BSP). This initiative promotes the return of Filipino experts to share the knowledge and skills they have gained overseas, fostering the local exchange of ideas and expertise.
Since the inception of BSP in 1975, the program has successfully engaged 664 Balik Scientists from various fields of expertise, including Dr. Albert Causo, an expert in robotics. Dr. Causo is the CEO and co-founder of Hand Plus Robotics in Singapore. He is also the second Balik Scientist to form a partnership with the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center. During his short-term engagement under the BSP, he collaborated with DOST-MIRDC’s Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL).
At the conclusion of his BSP engagement, Dr. Causo delivered an exit presentation titled “Are We Ready for Robots? Opportunities and Challenges for Robotics in the Philippines” on September 16, 2024, via Zoom. In his presentation, Dr. Causo candidly assessed the state of robotics in the Philippines, noting, “In summary, we need to catch up.”
Despite the country’s difficulties in adapting robotics on a large scale, Dr. Causo remains optimistic, viewing the situation as an opportunity for growth and innovation. He highlighted existing robot-related patents in the Philippines, with applications spanning medicine, search and rescue, environmental protection, and agriculture.
In line with exploiting opportunities for growth and innovation, the DOST-MIRDC completed the Internet of Things (IoT)-based Machine Shop Monitoring System project. This low-cost machine monitoring system determines machine utilization, which is an important performance parameter of a manufacturing facility. As this system is designed to be low-cost, it can be used by small companies. This locally designed and developed system is now available for commercialization and can serve as a stepping stone for local companies’ upgrade toward Industry 4.0.
The DOST-MIRDC’s efforts to prepare local manufacturing firms for Industry 4.0 is a parallel move toward preparing them for robotics and the multitude of benefits that come with the use of this technology.
Currently, Dr. Causo serves as the Program Director of ALGOrhythm Robotics Center in Cebu City, where he helps train and guide the next generation of robotics enthusiasts. He hopes to continue contributing to the advancement of robotics in the Philippines and sees his stint as a Balik Scientist as the foundation for future collaborations with DOST-MIRDC. Dr. Causo is also eager to introduce the Center to international partners, including those at the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology.
The DOST’s line agencies, especially DOST-MIRDC, encourage all Filipino experts abroad to join the growing roster of Balik Scientists who have greatly contributed to advancing science, technology, and innovation in the country.—James Herrera via DOST-MIRDC/MF
