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The robot's developer, CT Asia Robotics, was named No 1 among the top 10 winners in "Innovative Business 2009", among 432 entries submitted to the National Innovation Agency (NIA). The awards, in their fifth year, are aimed at promoting and encouraging local development of innovative technologies to substitute for imports.

"I believe the awards will inspire businesses and developers to continue developing innovations that will create differentiated and strong points for businesses", said the awards' selection committee chairman, Kosit Panpiemras. "It also will encourage the social and private sectors to take a greater interest in innovation."

Chalermpon Punnotok, chief executive of CT Asia Robotics, was elated by the award. MK Restaurants has now placed orders for 10 robots, with delivery scheduled in the first quarter, though the project is still in its prototype stage. The company's goal is to export the Thai-made robots as assistants to the elderly within four years. Japan, where the number of the elderly is huge, is the first target.

"A robot to assist the elderly will have a very large market globally, as society is ageing," Chalermpon said.

The first runner-up prize was won by C-Aoss - for "Capsule-Arto Ocean Sediment System" - a project developed by Thai Hybrid. It prevents coastal-area erosion with an initial investment of Bt75 million, employing wood and plastic materials. Artificial coral reefs are planted on the materials to capture sediment, and the coastal area can then be extended at least 50cm per year.

 The second runner-up award went to Baby Yummy, which is baby food made from rice developed by Bang Sue Chia Meng Rice Mill. The product is an innovation in instant food for children. Brown rice flour and sticky rice flour are processed with humid heat and than mixed with mashed banana.

To obtain further nutrients and product variety, milk, DHA, fibre, fructo-oligo-saccharides, or mixed fruit are added, before the completed mixture is sterilised. The product is ready for consumption and can be stored at room temperature.

NIA director Supachai Lorlowhakarn said the 432 project the agency supported with Bt423 million could result in savings to businesses of about Bt7.6 billion.

The judges chose the winners from six categories: new business, new technology, potential in the market, good management organisation, intellectual property and creating awareness of innovation.

Supachai also said the agency this year had spent Bt71.12 million to support 98 other innovation projects, which create a return of more than Bt1.8 million. It has promoted and encouraged innovation as an important tool to create value-added knowledge.

The project supports innovation between government and the private sector.