By UOW Malaysia 

UOW Malaysia has added another feather to its cap with a Silver Medal win at the Virtual Innovation Competition 2025 (VIC25). Competing in the Tertiary Science and Technology category, the university’s Smart E-Forklift with Energy Recovery System in Low-Carbon Warehousing impressed judges with its blend of sustainability and cutting-edge automation.

The international competition, held online from 1 March to 31 May 2025 through video submissions and virtual booths, was jointly organised by DIGIT360 and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kelantan Branch, Malaysia. Recognised as Malaysia’s largest online innovation platform, VIC25 showcased over 1,988 projects and attracted more than 10,000 participants from eight countries.

The Silver Medal Innovation

Developed as a Capstone project by Engineering students William Tan Chong Hee, Yuveenraj a/l Durairajoo, Charlotte Adoria De Rozario, Liew Wei Lun, and Asante, the Smart E-Forklift takes warehouse operations to the next level. The team, under the leadership of Capstone Coordinator Ir. Ts. Dr Nishata Royan a/p Rajendran Royan (Senior Lecturer) and the supervision of Ts. Dr Goh Thing Thing (Academic Department Head), Mr Chua Huang Shen (Senior Lecturer), Ms Gee Chia Chen (Senior Lecturer) and Ir. Permesh Lal Jethi a/l Amrick Lall (Lecturer), designed a forklift capable of operating in two modes:

• Manual Mode – controlled via the Dabble mobile app through Bluetooth.
• Automatic Mode – a stop-and-go system powered by sensor feedback for hands-free delivery.

Integrated with an Arduino Mega microcontroller, ultrasonic, infrared obstacle-avoidance sensors, and DC motors with energy recovery, the forklift delivers a safe, precise, and environmentally conscious solution to short-range logistics.

More than just a competition entry, the project reflects UOW Malaysia’s strong commitment to sustainability and real-world problem-solving. By integrating energy recovery into warehouse automation, the Smart E-Forklift offers a practical solution for greener, smarter logistics.

This achievement reinforces UOW Malaysia’s dedication to nurturing future-ready engineers with the skills to tackle global challenges.

Experience the Project: Virtual Booth & Project Video