20 April 2026 was a day of technology and innovation as TAR UMT engineering students presented their ground-breaking ideas at the Project Design Exhibition (ProDEx) 2026 held at the Kuala Lumpur campus.
A total of 64 innovative ideas and prototypes were showcased in this year’s ProDEx, comprising 11 capstone and 53 final-year projects by students from the fields of electrical and electronic, mechatronics, and mechanical engineering. In addition, the projects were evaluated by a panel of invited academic and industry judges, opening doors for knowledge sharing and professional discourse among students, academicians, and industry experts alike.
ProDEx is the premier engineering design exhibition organised by TAR UMT's Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FOET) since 2005. It serves as a platform for senior engineering students to showcase their creative project outputs, technical mastery and engineering prowess to peers, visitors, and industry representatives.
“This is not just a project showcase – it is an ecosystem where strategic synergy between academia and industry happens via interactions between students and industry leaders, that ensure our students’ efforts are effectively measured and evaluated based on the highest global industry standards. By articulating their designs via presentations and demonstrations, they prove that they possess both the technical rigour and communication skills required of a professional engineer.
“Our engineering students are also nurtured to build and innovate with the well-being of humanity in mind. In today’s age where innovation is often used as a buzzword, true engineering lies in innovations that are defined by responsibility to humanity and the planet. I am certain all our students will use their skills learned from this exhibition to protect our environment, uplift our society, and drive our economy in the years to come,” said Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, in his speech during the ProDEx 2026 opening ceremony.
With ‘Engineering the Future’ as the theme for ProDEx this year, many of the projects exhibited were designed to address sustainability issues in the environmental, social and economic aspects. Among the notable projects exhibited in ProDEx 2026 were:
Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementation and Model Optimisation for Real-time Remote Inspection of Power Line using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Kang Yan Sheng - Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Hons)
The project proposes a two-stage AI detection model programmed into drones to accurately locate and analyse defects on power line insulator strings, potentially offering a more energy-efficient operation system and enabling real-time detection and inspection processes.
Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Farming System for Hydroponics and Fertigation
Rohan Chan a/l Harichan, Teoh Sheng Yong, Tong Ka Sing, Tay Yuan Zhi - Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Hons)
The project explores an all-round system to monitor, control, and manage water and fertiliser levels in scalable hydroponic farming setups. It also includes a real-time visualisation interface that can store and track historical data, accessed remotely, and is fully automated.
Design and Development of an Automated Solar Panel Cleaning System
Loo Wei Chen, Ter Zhe Pang, Sim Chun Lam, Wong Kai Xian - Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons)
A project aimed at improving energy efficiency via an automated solar panel cleaning system to maximise solar panel performance that is scalable for potential industrial applications, while minimising human labour and intervention.
Robot Guide Dog System
Goh Shu En, Lai Choon Shiuan, Nicklaus Wong Yan Xiong, Ng Zam Ming - Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Hons)
A cost-effective software-based system utilising cameras and ultrasonic sensors to provide real-time audio guidance for the visually impaired that can be a viable alternative to guide dogs, while also being versatile enough to be implemented in other ways such as a body camera or walking stick.
