On March 8, 2022, PLANET Communications Asia Public Company Limited (PLANET), a comprehensive digital technology service provider, held the foundation stone laying ceremony for its Digital Monitoring and Operation Center (DMOC).
This center is designed to control and manage all infrastructure across the 519-rai (approximately 205-acre) area of the EEC SILICON TECH PARK using digital technology. It aims to be a Digital City Sandbox model for Southeast Asia. The DMOC will integrate various digital technologies for comprehensive management, including Green Energy, Nextgen Telecom, Cloud Computing, AI/Analytics, IoT, Digital Twin, Big Data, and GIS, all operating together on Digital Platforms.
PLANET is confident that the digital systems at Silicon Tech Park will attract leading global technology companies to invest in establishing R&D Centers and Design Centers. Following initial roadshows, the project has received significant positive feedback from investors worldwide, with plans to expand the Digital City concept to other EEC areas and major cities across Thailand.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Prapat Rathlertkarn, CEO of PLANET. Distinguished guests included Mr. Sakthip Krairiksh, Chief Advisor; Mr. Suchon Chaleekrua, Deputy Chief Advisor; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Tia, President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siam Charoensri, Director of FIBO (Institute of Field Robotics); the EEC Secretary-General; the CEO of Silicon Tech Park; the Governor of Rayong Province; the Mayor of Ban Chang Subdistrict Municipality; along with other executives and honorable guests.
In the afternoon, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PLANET and FIBO for operations within the Digital Monitoring and Operation Center (DMOC). The DMOC building, spanning a total area of 6,000 square meters, comprises two main sections: the DMOC itself and the FIBO Industrial Prototyping DEPO.
The DMOC unit is responsible for controlling and managing seven areas of digital infrastructure on a single platform. This is achieved by effectively integrating various digital technologies, such as Green Energy, Next-gen Telecom, Cloud Computing, AI/Analytics, IoT, Digital Twin, Big Data, and GIS.
Mr. Prapat stated that the Digital Monitoring and Operation Center (DMOC) for controlling the digital infrastructure of the EEC Silicon Tech Park project will serve as a prototype for a digital smart city in Southeast Asia. This digital infrastructure, a crucial component of Silicon Tech Park, will not only offer the highest bandwidth (400 GB/sec) but also integrate with 5G signals and Low Orbit Satellites (LEO/GEO). This setup will cater to industrial demands for low latency and connect various types of Industrial IoT devices in large numbers, resulting in a highly efficient infrastructure management system. It aims to reduce energy waste, lower carbon emissions, mitigate global warming, and adhere to world-class standards like ISO. This positions Thailand and the region as leaders in BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy), instilling confidence in quality investors to bolster industries in the EEC area. There are plans to accelerate the expansion of this digital smart city success across all three provinces of the EEC and other key cities throughout Thailand and the region.
“The Digital Monitoring and Operation Center by PLANET within the EEC SILICON TECH PARK project will set a new standard for a model city that goes beyond a Smart City. It will be a Sandbox for a Digital City, featuring a comprehensive Digital Infrastructure that links various systems onto a single platform. The goal is to reduce global warming, enhance production efficiency, and improve the quality of life for citizens. We anticipate the construction of the Digital Monitoring and Operating Center building will be completed around October 2022,” Mr. Prapat added.
One highly significant unit within the DMOC building is the “FIBO Industrial Prototyping DEPO.” Its primary goal is to design and develop prototype systems in areas such as Industry 4.0, Telerobotics-Telepresence, Medical Robotics, Cybernetics, and Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Singularity Systems. The focus is always on practical, real-world application.
The first project to be undertaken in this facility is a collaboration between FIBO and SiaSun Shenyang, China, to develop an automated large-scale crane system for handling 50-ton shipping containers. This system will operate via 5G signals and is intended for use at Laem Chabang Port and Map Ta Phut Port. SiaSun will subsequently commercialize this system.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siam Charoensri, Director of the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), stated that FIBO stands as Thailand’s first and only institute dedicated to robotics. Over the past 30 years, FIBO has gained substantial international recognition.
“We differ from other research institutions in our strong emphasis on the practical application of robotics technology (Field Robotics). Our diverse works are evident in academic journals and across social media platforms. You can find more information at https://www.kmutt.ac.th/en/faculty/institute-of-field-robotics/,” he noted.
Furthermore, FIBO has consistently fulfilled its mission of developing human resources in robotics and automation at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. Its alumni and current network span government, academia, and the private industrial sector.
“I am confident that this collaboration with Planet will undoubtedly lead to the success of Silicon Tech Park, the EEC, and our nation,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siam concluded.
