School members from the School of Engineering, University of Phayao, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Thanakarn Suangun, Dr. Buntueng Yana, a lecturer in the Bachelor of Engineering Program in Electrical Engineering; Assistant Professor Dr. Wichaphon Fakkaew, a lecturer in the Bachelor of Engineering Program in Mechanical Engineering; and Mr. Anothai Klakankhai, a lecturer in the Bachelor of Engineering Program in Industrial Engineering, accompanied eight Electrical Engineering students—Ms. Sawitta Thala, Ms. Hattavee Manniyom, Mr. Nitiphum Natprasop, Mr. David Oliver Tynon, Mr. Weerapol Prakobsri, Mr. Wiwat Chansurikul, Ms. Chanyaphit Thonglonirat, and Ms. Phornsiri Am-iam—to participate in the NORTHERN ROBODING CHALLENGE 2026 (CODETHAI), held on 19–20 August 2026 at Lampang Rajabhat University.
For this competition, the School of Engineering entered a total of four teams in the Industrial Workpiece Delivery Robot Competition, Higher Vocational Certificate (Diploma) / Higher Education Level. The event provided students from educational institutions across Northern Thailand with an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities in robotics, automation systems, programming, and the practical application of engineering knowledge to address challenges under defined competition constraints. It also enabled students to gain hands-on experience in authentic problem-solving situations, apply technology systematically to engineering problems, and strengthen both hard and soft skills in alignment with the evolving demands of the engineering and technology workforce.
The competition further encouraged students to integrate knowledge acquired in the classroom with practical applications, drawing upon disciplines including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, control and automation systems, robotics, programming, and process design. In addition, students developed essential competencies in analytical thinking, engineering problem-solving, teamwork, and performance under time constraints—all of which are fundamental capabilities for engineers in the era of Industry 4.0.
Participation in the NORTHERN ROBODING CHALLENGE 2026 represents another source of pride for the School of Engineering, University of Phayao, while highlighting the students’ ability to translate engineering knowledge and technical skills into practical solutions through authentic learning experiences. Such experiences contribute significantly to their preparedness for future careers in the rapidly evolving industrial and technological sectors.
The School’s team of advisors would also like to express its sincere appreciation to Assistant Professor Dr. Piyachon Ketsuwan, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Science, for kindly providing four Hiwonder ArmPi Pro Raspberry Pi 5 ROS Robotic Arm Developer Kits with 4WD Mecanum Wheel Chassis and Open-Source Robot Cars for the students’ preparation and participation in the competition. The School also extends its gratitude to Assistant Professor Dr. Wasan Kamsanam, Chair of the Bachelor of Engineering Program in Mechanical Engineering, for kindly providing four TESR iRON-X robotic units to support the students’ preparation and participation in the event.