The Technology Institute of Mechanical Engineering (TIME) was founded in 2018 from merging the Vehicle Technology Research Center (established in 2012), the AUT Weld Center (established in 2018) and the Structural Integrity and Life Assessment Center (established in 2018). The Technology Institute of Mechanical Engineering has been established with the goal of conducting basic and applied research in the field of mechanical engineering to achieve the following research objectives:
- Study, prepare and implement research and development projects in various fields of mechanical engineering, science and technology
- Develop technology and technical knowledge in the field of mechanical engineering
- Participate in the global production of science and move within the frontiers of knowledge
- Hold short-term and medium-term training courses to improve the knowledge and skills of engineers, technicians, and industrial specialists
- Establish communication links between basic and applied research
- Communicate with other scientific and research institutes inside and outside the country via holding conferences, exchanging researchers, and implementing joint research projects
- Establish growth centers and knowledge-based companies affiliated with the research institute for the use of experts, technologists, and private sector entrepreneurs
- Establish and develop research and industrial laboratories
Based on the organization chart, the main parts of the research institute are:
- Advisory Council
- Research Institute Director
- Research Committee of the Research Institute
- Research centers, research groups, scientific institutes and knowledge-based companies
The research institute currently has five research centers:
- Vehicle Technology Research Center
- AUT Weld Center
- Energy Research Center
- Marine Technology Research Center
- Structural Integrity and Life Assessment Center