DTI to open Industry 4.0 pilot factory in 2023

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking to launch an Industry 4.0 pilot factory that features advanced technologies in the Philippines by 2023.
According to DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, the facility will be built in the Calabarzon area and will house advanced technologies like robotics, intelligence-of-things, drones, and virtual and augmented reality, among others.
The Industry 4.0 factory is mainly intended to provide these advanced technologies to local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startup enterprises that do not have the capital to invest in this kind of equipment.
Aldaba said the initial cost for the Industry 4.0 pilot factory would be around PHP300 million to PHP400 million (US$5.3 million to US$7.11 million).
“The expenditures include installation of modular cyber physical proof of concept line, technology, and advanced analytics software, R&D (research and development) training subsidies, etc.,” she explained. The facility would also have a demonstration and tech space.
The DTU undersecretary added that they are partnering with tech companies who would bring in advanced manufacturing equipment like robots, intelligent manufacturing systems, and cyber-physical systems, among others.
Tech company Siemens and cmmercial banking firm Union Bank of the Philippines are among the initial partners of the agency for the Industry 4.0 pilot factory.