BANGKOK: Autodesk, a 3D design and software technology provider, in collaboration with Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the Ministry of Science and Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a bid to advance the country’s manufacturing competitiveness through industry-wide adoption of 3D technologies and digital manufacturing capabilities.

NSTDA, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Autodesk will aim to jointly establish a Digital Manufacturing Platform in support of the National Digital Economy Master Plan. This will provide subscription-based access to Autodesk’s 3D design, manufacturing, simulation, and collaboration tools, services and training to 100,000 engineers and vocational professionals from companies of all sizes up to 3 years.

Key technologies within the Digital Manufacturing Platform include Autodesk’s Fusion 360 and A360 Team. Fusion 360 brings computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD, CAM and CAE). Available for Mac, PC or mobile, Fusion 360 is an integrated, connected, and accessible tool built for the new ways products are being designed and made. It also provides the context to understand all aspects of a project and collaborate with everyone participating through the use of A360. A360 modernizes the way people work together and captures all project information and activity, giving teams a central place to collaborate.

Besides the Digital Manufacturing Platform, Autodesk is working with NSTDA on research programmes and the creation of a technology platform to support Thailand's SmartCities initiatives.

“Through the cooperation of world leading companies like Autodesk with the NSTDA, this will support local SMEs in using digital technologies in their design and manufacturing processes, as well as elevating the capabilities of Thai talent to be ready for the manufacturing industry of the future. Moreover, this leads to the creation of value in industries, which coincides with the policy objectives of the government, such as in the biotechnology industry, renewable energy, engineering and design industries related to enhancing the quality of life, and the creative economy industry, which will strengthen the country further,” says Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology.

See Also: Manufacturing Outlook