ASTANA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- In the Luban Workshop at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana, robotic arms, computer workstations and drone training equipment invigorate a smart laboratory where students learn how computer vision can support industrial automation.
For 20-year-old student Zhansaya Abdurakhman, the workshop offers a glimpse into a future career as Kazakhstan places growing emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) development during its Year of Artificial Intelligence.
"We studied computer vision and how to work with a robotic manipulator for industrial automation," she said. "These skills are in great demand, and such practical experience can help us prepare for jobs in modern industrial enterprises."
Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, who attended the university's 30th anniversary celebrations and the workshop's open day in late May, said the Luban Workshop model has proven successful in Kazakhstan.
He expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for providing industrial-grade equipment and supporting technology transfer. He said Kazakhstan is set to host three Luban Workshops, calling them a reflection of closer Kazakhstan-China ties.
Ramazan Sadvokasov, a lecturer who trained in Tianjin, northern China, said the laboratory is an important platform to prepare professionals who may later help develop artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan.
Nearly 100 teachers and more than 30 students have already received hands-on technical training through the program, he said.
"We expect our future graduates to become specialists in artificial intelligence, industrial automation and drone technologies," Sadvokasov said.
Li Guohui, an AI instructor at Tianjin Vocational Institute, said the workshop features a high-performance computer laboratory, an automated production line, and training areas for machine vision, collaborative robots, and drones.
"Kazakh teachers and students are very eager to learn and deeply engaged," Li said. "They strive to learn how to use the robots and equipment, showing strong enthusiasm for AI technologies."
In the Luban Workshop, robots, drones and automated systems are no longer abstract technologies in textbooks. They have become tools students can touch, test and use.
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