ABB in Kazakhstan opens the first automation laboratory at AUPET to support engineering education

Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications (Energo University), a leading institution in power engineering and communications in Almaty, has partnered with ABB Kazakhstan to officially open a new dedicated automation laboratory for engineering students. The initiative is part of a broader collaboration formalized through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing education quality, strengthening applied skills, and closing the gap between academic theory and practical industry experience.

The new laboratory, equipped with ABB’s advanced demonstration systems, marks the first ABB educational automation facility of its kind in Kazakhstan. The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives from ABB Kazakhstan, including Natalija Gromova, General Director; Dossan Jumagaziyev, Local Business Line Manager; Yermek Imashev, Head of Sales; along with ABB engineers Anton Panchenko, Service Engineer, and Roman Shinkarenko, Product Specialist. These engineers will also provide specialized training for Energo University faculty members.

The training sessions will ensure lecturers gain hands-on experience with ABB technologies, enabling them to effectively pass practical knowledge on to students. Energo University was represented by Nygymetov Gani, Rector of the University; Zhupankhan Aibek, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Zhandarbekov Dauren, Chief Operating Officer; Omarbekova Alnura, Director of the Institute of Telecommunications and Automation; and Abzhanova Laulasyn, Head of the Department of Automation and Control.

The event commenced with welcome remarks and presentations in the university’s conference hall, where both parties outlined shared objectives, student opportunities, and the strategic intent behind the new laboratory. This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the laboratory, officially marking its opening. ABB representatives addressed students and faculty, while local engineers demonstrated the installed equipment and explained its application in real industrial environments.

Designed to replicate real-world industrial operations, the laboratory features ABB demonstration stands for variable speed drive control and distributed automation. Key technologies include advanced control systems such as ABB Ability™ System 800xA and industrial drives like the ACS880, supporting motor control and process optimization. Through guided practical exercises, students will gain experience in commissioning, parameter setting, diagnostics, and safe operational practices in line with industry standards.

The learning pathways will encompass core automation fundamentals, advanced controller logic, and drive applications, alongside data visualization and alarm management to develop strong systems-thinking capabilities. The program is designed to enhance students’ preparedness for internships and early-career positions, complementing ABB Kazakhstan’s recently introduced graduate internship initiatives. In addition, a proposed elective module focused on ABB drives and controllers will be integrated into the engineering curriculum, broadening students’ exposure to modern automation technologies and further strengthening their employability.

"ABB Kazakhstan is ready to support Energo University’s students, translate theory into practice and enable hands-on experience with real equipment. We are opening new opportunities for students to gain more practical work with real equipment,” said Natalija Gromova, General Director, ABB Kazakhstan. “We look forward to collaborating with you on internships, guest lectures, seminars and other career development opportunities that will enhance the practical knowledge for students.”

“We are proud to open this laboratory with ABB, support the company’s success in Kazakhstan and welcome expanded opportunities for our students,” said Gani Nygymetov, Rector of Energo University. “Together, we are building a stronger bridge between academia and industry to prepare the next generation of engineers.”