The Future of Manufacturing Lies in Artificial Brains - And PLCs are Leading the Charge! -Suraj Kamal

A martial arts practitioner, singer, and percussionist. An expert on PLCs. A mechatronics trainer at NAMTECH. A lecturer. These, in a nutshell, are what make up Suraj Kumar Kamal.

Boasting a career spanning 13+ years in training and consultancy to industry and academia in the field of industrial automation, Suraj stands out as a beacon of expertise on PLCs in the world of smart manufacturing.

From Classroom to Control Room: Suraj's Journey

Suraj's fascination with electronics and communication engineering set him on an extraordinary path pretty early on. As such, his relentless curiosity earned him a B.Tech and a Diploma in the field.

But his pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there!

Eager to expand his horizons, Suraj did diploma in computer and networking,? attended prestigious training sessions organised by national and international entities, including ITE Singapore, FESTO (Germany), Schneider (France), and Washington University (USA). These experiences enriched his understanding of Cyber-Physical Systems and PLC.

Proficient in programming and troubleshooting Siemens S7-Series PLC 200, 300, 400,? 1200, and 1500, as well as Siemens HMI and SCADA, Suraj personifies a true technical expert. Add to that the fact that he is also a martial arts practitioner with over 24 years of experience, and one can clearly see why Suraj is such an inspiration.?

In 2020, Suraj joined CoreEL Technologies as an Automation Faculty and Technical Trainer in technology and solution department. He specialised in content generation on Siemens PLC Programming, PLC Networking, HMI, and Industrial SCADA. However, his ambition to do more and nurture learners through real-world learning led him to NAMTECH.?

Suraj's Vision for PLCs

"PLCs will not become obsolete in the future because the industry demands powerful, intelligent control systems and PLCs are the embodiment of that advanced intelligence.”

With his vast experience, Suraj regards PLCs as an indispensable need in the smart manufacturing industry. He asserts that their influence is undeniable - from the complex mechanisms of escalator production to the precise processes in pharmaceuticals. This points towards a future where PLCs will play a key role in shaping the next decade of industrial automation.

Real-World Learning with Suraj at NAMTECH

In 2023, Suraj brought his wealth of knowledge to NAMTECH. At NAMTECH, he is primarily responsible for designing, developing and delivering comprehensive course content on PLC, HMI, SCADA, and Festo I410-10 stations & corporate trainings.

As a driving force behind NAMTECH's commitment to practical, real-world education, Suraj ensures that learners gain hands-on experience in specialised labs—an area often overlooked by traditional educational models. He finds immense satisfaction in nurturing talent and witnessing the transformative impact of his teaching on his learners’ lives.

But no field is without its challenges, and engineering is no different. Suraj finds staying updated with the latest technology the most challenging aspect of engineering.?

However, the feedback and success of his learners fuel his determination to overcome these challenges. Suraj also remains proactive by continually exploring and collaborating with various tech brands to stay ahead of the curve.

If Suraj had to give one piece of advice to inspire his learners, this is what he would say: stay updated and keep upskilling yourself.?