An artificial intelligence-powered retail assistant developed by Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT) students is putting classroom knowledge to work, earning recognition for its potential to transform customer engagement in the retail industry.
Known as AI.Ra Robot, or AI Retail Assistant Robot, the innovative Final Year Project was developed by Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) students Danial Zulhakim Norazman and Puteri Najiah Najihah Megat Norulazmi, under the supervision of Mrs. Robiah Hamzah from the Software Engineering Section at UniKL MIIT.
The project was developed through a strategic university-industry collaboration between UniKL MIIT and Katapult Asia Sdn. Bhd., demonstrating how industry-linked software engineering education can translate emerging technologies into solutions for real-world business challenges.
Designed to enhance customer engagement, AI.Ra functions as an intelligent robotic assistant capable of providing interactive and personalised support to customers.
By integrating artificial intelligence, software engineering and robotic technologies into retail operations, the project explores how AI-powered solutions can improve customer experiences while responding to evolving industry needs.
The innovation has already gained recognition through a Gold Award at the 2nd International Innovation and Invention Challenge via Exhibition 2026 (INTELLIGENT’26) and another Gold Award at the Final Year Project Competition, where it was named among the top three projects.
Beyond competition recognition, AI.Ra has attracted the attention of industry stakeholders.
The team was invited to present the technology to Al-Ikhsan, opening discussions on its potential application in customer service and retail operations.
AI.Ra’s journey continued when Katapult Asia selected the project as an exhibitor at the National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo 2026 (NICE 2026), held from 26 to 28 August 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
The national platform brought together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to showcase emerging technologies and explore pathways towards commercialisation.
AI.Ra also highlights the applied learning approach of UniKL MIIT’s Bachelor of Software Engineering programme, which integrates software engineering principles, artificial intelligence, system development, industry collaboration and hands-on project experience.
Such exposure equips students with technical competencies, problem-solving skills and practical experience aligned with the requirements of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The project reflects UniKL’s broader commitment to producing future-ready graduates capable of developing practical digital solutions and contributing to Malaysia’s technology ecosystem.
The project can be linked most strongly to SDG 4: Quality Education, through experiential and industry-linked software engineering education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through the development of digital and industry-ready talent; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through AI-driven technological innovation and commercialisation potential; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaboration between UniKL MIIT and Katapult Asia.
