From Science to Production: TAU Launches Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory for Industry
Turan-Astana University has established the Scientific Research Laboratory of Cyber-Physical Systems for Industry. This new scientific and engineering platform integrates artificial intelligence, industrial automation, digital twins, big data analytics, and environmental management technologies.
The laboratory's primary objective is the swift transfer of academic developments into ready-to-use commercial solutions for enterprises in the industrial and utility sectors. All activities center around real-world industrial tasks based on the following framework: “data → model → experiment → pilot project → implementation.”
For industrial partners, the laboratory offers a full cycle of engineering services—ranging from technological audits and digital twin design to the creation of unique software suites and conducting pilot industrial trials. A key advantage for businesses is the ability to flexibly adapt these new IT solutions to the existing automation infrastructure of any specific enterprise.
Inaugural Case Study: Proactive Water Resource Management
The laboratory's first applied project involves implementing an intelligent system for the end-to-end digitalization of the water cycle. Utilizing predictive mathematical models and virtual sensors (Soft Sensors), the system will connect all processes—from water intake to wastewater treatment - into a unified digital ecosystem.
Implementing this development will allow enterprises to shift from a reactive crisis-response approach to proactive management. This minimizes the overconsumption of water and costly chemical reagents, reduces equipment wear, optimizes energy consumption, and mitigates environmental risks to the absolute minimum.
The newly established infrastructure will serve as an educational and research hub for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at TAU. By participating in real contract-funded research projects and analyzing live production data, young scientists will complete their dissertations based on current industry demands. This format guarantees the preparation of highly qualified specialists in AI, Data Science, and industrial engineering who are in high demand in the labor market.
The TAU Research Laboratory of Cyber-Physical Systems is set to become an effective bridge where university science, engineering expertise, and the demands of the real sector of the economy unite to create the technological solutions of tomorrow.
