Taiwan’s top R&D institute has signed memorandums of understanding on autonomous cars and intelligent production with companies in France and Germany that will spur the integration of the local smart technology sector with the global industry, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said Sept. 1.
State-backed Industrial Technology Research Institute inked the two agreements with French software design firm Dassault Systemes and German engineering giant Siemens AG during a recent MOEA-organized tour to Europe.
With the government focused on improving the software capacity of Taiwan’s smart machinery sector, these tie-ups will help local firms become globally competitive by working with international industry heavyweights to develop better products and services, MOEA Deputy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said.
ITRI, based in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu County, plans to work with Dassault on developing electric cars and self-driving vehicles through exchanges in areas such as components and system integration. In addition, Taiwan’s smart vehicle companies will be able to sell their products through the French firm’s online platform.
Siemens will collaborate with ITRI to hold smart machinery training programs and develop intelligent manufacturing products and services using the institute’s machine-to-machine communications technology and Siemen’s cloud-based software services. M2M describes the direct interaction of two devices without human interference.
The delegation of officials and business representatives, led by Kung, also visited eight other companies and institutions including the headquarters of energy management and automation conglomerate Schneider Electric SE and European aerospace giant Airbus Group SE’s main office in France and the headquarters of engineering firm Bosch Rexroth AG in Germany.
During the nine-day tour, the delegation met with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Housing under the Baden-Wurttemberg State Government in Germany. The state is known as one of the country’s leading hubs for the artificial intelligence, machinery, and information and communication technology industries, according to the MOEA. (CPY-E)
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