Technology Convergence Drives Robot Innovation

Technology convergence has become one of the drivers for leading innovative solutions in buildings. As discussed in previous blogs, the mature HVAC industry is still developing innovative solutions through technology convergence. The same is true for emerging industries such as building robotics. It is possible to provide new value to customers by incorporating other technologies into robot technology or converging two robot solutions.

Robotics Innovation Thrives through Integration of Other Solutions

An example of innovation through integration is the robotic arm AI or machine learning (ML) technology that drives the innovation of picking robots in the logistics market. Honeywell, a US-based building solution leader, uses ML for a robot system to identify items on a pallet, reach to pick them up, and place them on a conveyor belt. A robotics solution from Mujin, an industrial robotics company headquartered in Japan, relies on a database to sense the environment then uses the data for measurements, path planning, and execution. RightHand Robotics is a US company building a data-driven intelligent picking platform that uses RightPickAI software. The company says the platform does not rely on models but instead learns over time.

Nokia, a Finnish multinational IT and consumer electronics company, offers a 5G network and cloud computing to industrial robot and automation solutions providers. The robot solutions integrated with these digital technologies can increase productivity through ultra-reliable connectivity via 5G. KUKA, a German industrial robot manufacturer, is to deploy Nokia 5G private wireless networking at its intelligent production and development center in Augsburg. By partnering with Nokia for 5G networking, KUKA expects to establish a long-term development roadmap of new capabilities in automation solutions.

British online grocery delivery company Ocado is well known for making the grocery delivery process easy for customers and efficient for retail businesses. The company’s efforts in technology convergence are focused on warehouse operation: in-house software that manages product collection for orders, a digital twin running warehouse operation simulations, robotic picking arms, and other solutions. These efforts have led Ocado to make deals to provide warehouse operations solutions (including robotic solutions) to customers in eight countries, including Kroger in the US, Aeon in Japan, Casino in France, and Coles in Australia.

Target Segment and Customer for Business Success

Such technology convergence can provide new value.  However, solutions providers and tech companies must clearly define their business targets to succeed in the emerging robotics business. Providers must first clarify their target business segment and customer. For example, Nokia provides network and cloud computing technologies to robot and automation solutions providers. Ocado has been developing convergence technology using robots to optimize warehouse operations and has set its customer target in the retail business.  

Defining the target business segment and customer is an essential step, as different customer verticals have varied pain points in their business. Hence, newcomers to this emerging industry must first clarify their target business segments and customers when planning a market entry strategy.