Smart Engineering Assistive Technologies Shine Again: “Large-Scale Pipeline Robot” Wins Platinum Award

The research team led by Professor Chang Fa-Hsien from the Department of Electronic Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, has once again stood out at the 2024 Taiwan Innotech Expo, winning the event’s highest honor—the Platinum Award—for their innovation “Large-Scale Pipeline Robot.” This marks the fifth Platinum Award the team has received since 2013, setting a remarkable record of excellence. Drawing from his military background and a forward-thinking approach to academic research, Professor Chang has guided CSU to repeated success in the fields of smart engineering assistive devices and robotics for hazardous environments.

Innovative Solutions for Hazardous Operations: The Large-Scale Pipeline Robot

The award-winning Large-Scale Pipeline Robot was designed for cleaning, inspection, and welding tasks in 24–36 inch pipelines. It eliminates the need for human entry into horizontal, vertical, or curved pipelines, significantly enhancing both operational safety and efficiency. This breakthrough technology not only overcomes critical challenges in high-risk environments, but also ensures higher engineering quality, making it a landmark achievement in the development of smart assistive engineering systems.

Multifunctional Ground Vehicles and Deep Inspection Technologies

In addition to the platinum-winning robot, the team’s “Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Device for Deep-Layered Tube Bundles” also received a Gold Medal Award. Specifically designed for power plants and cogeneration facilities, this system can accurately measure the thickness of complex, multi-layered heat-absorbing pipe systems, ensuring equipment safety and longevity. These innovations highlight CSU’s solid capabilities in multifunctional ground vehicles and advanced diagnostic systems.

From Military Expertise to Academic Innovation: The Journey of Professor Chang Fa-Hsien

A retired Army colonel, Professor Chang brings extensive hands-on experience from military education into academic R&D. He emphasizes that the resilience and discipline cultivated through military service have been critical assets in his pursuit of innovation. He also credits the success of this project to the support of the National Defense Industrial Development Foundation, along with industry collaborations—particularly with CTCI Corporation and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)—that have accelerated the practical implementation of these technologies.

Taiwan Innotech Expo: Showcasing CSU’s R&D Excellence

The Taiwan Innotech Expo is Taiwan’s premier annual technology showcase, drawing over 450 organizations and featuring more than 1,100 inventions. With only one Platinum Award presented across all entries, the competition is fierce and the recognition exceptionally prestigious. CSU’s Smart Vehicle Development Laboratory, with its five-time Platinum Award streak, has emerged as a national highlight—demonstrating Cheng Shiu University’s outstanding capabilities in intelligent assistive systems and robotics innovation.

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