DOST – PCIEERD and Saint Mary's University Launch Project ARTIC to Accelerate Food Industry Innovation using Collaborative Robotics (Cobots) and AI.
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST – PCIEERD) and Saint Mary’s University (SMU), has officially launched the “Adaptive Robotics Technology and Intelligent Computing Center (Project ARTIC).” Project ARTIC is a pioneering research hub aimed at modernizing the Philippine food industry with collaborative robotics (cobots) and artificial intelligence (AI).
The project ARTIC team is composed of Engr. Angelino A. Pimentel, MSc, PECE (Project Leader), Engr. Teofilo M. Sagabaen, RECE (Project Administrative Officer), Engr. Gerene-Leigh C. Almazan, RECE, ECT (Project Technical Specialist), Dr. Renann G. Baldovino (DLSU Professor, External Collaborator/Consultant), Engr. Carina M. Mallillin, MSME, PCpE (Project Technical Staff), Ms. Mary Paulene A. Juan, ECE (Project Technical Staff), Ms. Chesley Ann A. Quinsay, IT (Project Technical Staff), Mrs. Leila A. Navarro, CPA, MBA (Project Support Staff Level 2), and Mrs. Joan Gay N. Porta, BSMA (Project Support Staff Level 1)
The inauguration last October 9, 2025 was headed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., PhD, together with Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Dr. Eng., Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, and Saint Mary’s University administrators with President John Octavious S. Palina, PhD, DBA. The event was a significant step forward in the advancement of science, technology, and innovation for regional and national development.
Project ARTIC, supported by DOST-PCIEERD and Saint Mary’s University, is a technology innovation hub for adaptive cobots and intelligent computers in food processing and post-harvest applications. The total approved project cost is ₱7.6 million including the ₱5 million grant from the Institutional Development Program (IDP) of DOST – PCIEERD.
The local industry partners for research like Namujhe Integrated Farms, Bayombong Public Market, Café Gumorning, OmniFab PH and Agrizkaya Cooperative including academe and government partners as De La Salle University (DLSU), Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), the Cagayan Valley Industry Energy and Emerging Technology R&D Consortium (CVIEERDEC), National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) have joined to support on this endeavor.
Project ARTIC proposes to use intelligent cobot systems with sensors and machine learning to automate repetitive and precision-based operations including post-harvest sorting, packaging, and quality inspection. These technologies will improve efficiency, maintain product consistency, and promote sustainability by decreasing waste and energy usage.
By incorporating cobots into food post-harvest production process, the project tackles labor shortages and improves workforce capability by allowing skilled workers to concentrate on higher-value tasks.
With the formation of Project ARTIC, Nueva Vizcaya and the Cagayan Valley region are poised to become leaders in cobots and intelligent computing research, furthering DOST’s vision of an Industry 4.0-ready Philippines.
Written by: Engr. Angelino A. Pimentel, MSc, PECE; DOST IDP Project Leader, ARTIC & Engr. Teofilo M. Sagabaen, RECE; Head, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO)
Photo by: PIO
