Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Showcases 'Smart Silk' Innovation to Elevate Thai Sericulture and Grassroots Economy

Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI) demonstrated the 'Smart Silk' innovation project, which aims to elevate Thai silk production and boost farmer incomes more than twofold through grassroots economic development aligned with the 'Silver Economy' initiative. The showcase took place on June 29, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center in Nakhon Ratchasima province, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yasachai Wongsawadi and Deputy Agriculture Minister Vatchraphon Khaokham.

The Sericulture Department collaborated with RMUTI to support farmers in Nakhon Ratchasima. RMUTI President Associate Professor Khosit Sripuddha welcomed the delegation and presented six major innovations:

1. Mobile Mesh Silkworm Rearing Beds: Reduced rearing time to 18 days, decreased mortality rates by 76.08%, and reduced physical fatigue for farmers. 2. High-Efficiency Silk Reeling Machine: Upgraded silk grades from B to A, increasing income per cycle by over 2,460 baht. 3. Silk Bleaching and Dyeing Equipment: Substituted electricity for gas, reducing energy costs by 78.35%. 4. Silk Twist Machine: Enhanced silk strength and elasticity, increasing production income by 90.41% per cycle. 5. Silk Defect Detection Machine: Improved accuracy and reduced silk waste in weaving by 93.78%. 6. Silk Thread Measurement Machine: Reduced production losses by 48.14% per cloth while improving silk length precision.

In 2024, RMUTI delivered over 103 machinery sets to farmers, directly benefiting 890 people and increasing average monthly farmer income from 5,500 baht to 12,900 baht, creating over 137 million baht in annual economic circulation.