Technology Overview

Conventional robot programming is highly difficult and heavily fragmented. Different robot manufacturers require the use of their respective proprietary languages and require high coding expertise. Furthermore, existing automation processes require system integrators to develop custom solutions due to the fragmented modules, such as machine vision, cloud computation and storage, and plc integration, in automation. This results in 75% of the lifetime costs of each robot being software and programming related.

This technology offer presents an AI-robotics platform used by the world's leading robotics and advanced manufacturing companies. The platform is a no-code and fully-integrated programming software that enables anyone, including those with no robotic experience, to program dynamic industrial robots in minutes. The proprietary technology incorporates algorithms to enable automated robot path generation and an intuitive graphical interface that eliminates the need for coding and CAD files in robot teaching.

The software has enabled companies to develop and deploy robots ten times faster at one eighth the cost in industrial applications. The solution can be configurable and customized based on clients’ requirements.

The technology owner is currently looking for collaboration with 3D scanning companies to enable higher precision digitization capabilities of this technology. High precision 3D scanning together with this system would enable easy and rapid industrial robot teaching for applications that require higher accuracy such as welding, cutting, and CNC processes. Another avenue of collaboration would be with industrial robot manufacturers to integrate with their hardware systems.

Technology Features, Specifications and Advantages

The no-code programming methodology leverages sensor-agnostic 3D mesh data to generate an interactive simulation environment. This eliminates the need for CAD files and elaborate hardware setups to generate an accurate robot simulator. Users can either scan the work cell using their desired sensor or import CAD files to generate an interactive simulation environment. Calibration of robot and virtual environment is then completed in under 30 seconds through a one-click calibration process.

Unlike conventional manual programming that requires countless lines of code to teach robots, the technology incorporate robot kinematic algorithms that allow for auto robot path generation. This means that from just setting certain parameters, the user is able to instantly generate complex and precise robot paths for the desired application.

Furthermore, the platform has an integrated AI model builder that simplifies AI training and building. Through an iPad, users can annotate datasets with the touch of a pencil, train and build AI inference models, eliminating the need for powerful and expensive computer systems. In-built AI modules enable fast and precise calibration between inference models and robot paths. Users can program dynamic robots that see the world in 3D for high-mix applications. 

Through the aforementioned competitive advantages of having a no-code interactive simulation environment and mixed reality interface, without the need for CAD files and hardware setups, and a fully-integrated AI model builder for dynamic automation projects,

Potential Applications

The technology has demonstrated success in manufacturing environments that have high-mix processes. These applications include, spray coating, shot peening, sanding, polishing, welding, and pick and place, with key industries in the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries.

Over the years, the technology has been customized and adopted in the agritech and F&B industry where dynamic processes are common.

Based on reports by McKinsey and Technavio, the industrial robotics market is valued at $16 billion in 2017 with a CAGR of 13%. Focusing on SEA and on our focal applications involving high-mix and dynamic processes, there is an estimated 2,000 total number of relevant companies, with 30,000 industrial robots being deployed. This would derive a SOM of $300 million.

Customer Benefits

The platform helps robot manufacturers and automation providers to recoup ROI faster by lowering the time, cost and skill barriers in industrial automation. Companies that using the platform have experienced up to 70% cost reduction and 17 times faster deployments across a wide variety of applications, such as spraying, palletizing, welding, and inspections.