Top Robotics Companies at the Forefront of Innovation in 2021

ISSN 2582-127X

JULY 2021

The Collaboration between Humans and Machine

TOP

ROBOTICS

How Robots will Affect Human Life?

AT THE FOREFRONT OF

INNOVATION IN

2021

ARGO UNMANNED PRESIDENT

GROUND

AND

CEO,

VEHICLES

BRAD

DARLING

I

n the first half of the last century, industrial robots such as the hulking one-armed Goliaths

dominated the robotics space. Even though they were highly disruptive and served many

human purposes, industrial robots were not sexy. Opening the door to the second half of the

20th century, attractive humanoid robots made their debut. Today, more and more robots are cropping up in offices, hospitals, and schools, and especially in labour intense workplaces like warehouses, fulfilment centres, and small manufacturing centres. They are also jumping out of the confined spaces into roads and flying aboard.

In the modern world, robots are becoming more powerful and faster in computing, process command, and applications, which are powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning.

When humans think about robotics, two extreme concepts pop up in their mind. One is plain machinery or humanoid automation that helps humankind in many ways in their daily routine.

Unfortunately, the other one is quite a nightmarish prediction. People anticipate that if the upsurge in robotics and automation continues, then very soon, there will be an apocalypse where humans become slaves to machines. They also fear that robot domination in the workplace will occupy human jobs, causing a huge unemployment crisis. Science fiction movies often envision

EDITORIAL

autonomous robots with the full capabilities of humans, such as navigation of complex environments, dexterous manipulation of physical objects, and learning from experience and instruction. The reality is that human perception and decision-making remains beyond the level of automation through computation and engineering. However, even though this could be possible in the far future, today, robotics is definitely helping humans. As intelligent machines begin their march on labour and become more sophisticated and specialized than first-generation cousins like Roomba or Siri, human-robot collaboration will unravel a new world of automation.

Starting from doing home chores and delivering medical supplies to befriending children and assisting the elderly, robots are taking up all the labour-intense jobs and making space for people to use their intellect. They are often commanded to perform jobs that are mostly boring, mostly dangerous, and sometimes, even dirty. Robots are designed to do tasks that are too complex for people. Many industries including retail, food, and healthcare, that were on the brink of collapsing with fewer human hands to help during the Covid-19 period, adopted robotics for a more resilient and automatic outcome. A report indicates that the robotics market will be valued at US$73 billion by 2025 and the current pandemic has accelerated robotics adoption greatly.

Even though robots are intelligent than humans because of their computational power and memory, researchers are the ones who blew life into the assembled metal. Since humans brought them to action, they also believe that they'll be the end of the robots in case it gets uncontrollable. At a time when it is critical for humankind to adopt technology, many robotic companies are working on a variety of innovative products including autonomous vehicles, mobile robots, toy robots, and software feed robots with common sense and make them easier to use. The world is evolving at a faster pace where different robotic companies have achieved much more in the past two decades.

Plenty of them have unleashed a new feat where their range of robots has already started working in diverse sectors.

-Adilin Beatrice Senior Analyst

Credits Ashish Sukhadeve

Adilin Beatrice

Apoorva Komarraju

Priya Dialani

Editor-in-Chief

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08 COVER - STORY

ARGO Unmanned Ground Vehicles

16

22

30

Avishkaar

Aegeus Technologies

ForwardX Robotics

38

44

50

Kiran Smart

Moley Robotics

Solabot

28

ARTICLES

48

The Collaboration between

How Robots will

Humans and Machine

A ect Human Life?

COVER STORY

Pioneering The Innovation Behind Amphibious Robotic Vehicles How did a company go from making custom gears to collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency?

Does the thought of an on-road vehicle transforming into an onwater vehicle sound futuristic to you? Then this interview will fascinate you. The concept of amphibious robotic vehicles, vehicles that go on land and in water, have been in existence for many decades now, with the earliest model dating back to the 1770s. To know more about this lesser-known industry, we were in conversation with ARGO, an innovative robotics company with over 50 years of history. Here's how the interview panned out.

8

BRAD DARLING President And CEO ARGO Unmanned Ground Vehicles 9

For over 50 years ARGO has been the

www.argoxtv.com

world leader in manned off-road amphibious vehicles. With our continued innovation in our UGV platforms, we expect that within the next 5 years, our UGV business will be as large as our XTV business.

Brad Darling President and CEO ARGO Unmanned Ground Vehicles

10

A Brief About ARGO Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) What started as a manufacturer of custom gears and

vertically integrated company that has pushed the

transmission assemblies, ARGO's vehicle division was

boundaries of what is possible with purpose-built

established in 1967. For over 50 years the company has

components throughout the vehicles. From custom-built

been the leader in off-road amphibious vehicles. Its first

chassis to transmissions manufactured in-house, ARGO

amphibious vehicle, the six-wheeled “swamp buggy” was

provides an end-to-end solution for every off-road

powered by ARGO's own transmission. ARGO is a

application.

A Mission Fueled with Innovation When asked about the company's history and its core

Canadian Space Agency in the development of Lunar

mission, Brad Darling, CEO, and President had an

Rover vehicles. ARGO's 30 plus years of robotics

interesting story to tell. After the initial years of

experience has led to a wide offering of capable off-road

manufacturing gears and transmissions, and later

amphibious robotics platforms. At present, it has UGV

launching its first six-wheel amphibious off-road

platforms available in configurations of four, six, and

Extreme terrain vehicle, ARGO was constantly

eight-wheel variants, as well as dedicated tracked

innovating and continued to work towards adding new

vehicles. All the vehicles are amphibious and are

products. Currently, its product lines consist of Xtreme

available in fully electric, combustion engine, or hybrid

Terrain Vehicles (XTV), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), Utility

powertrains.

Task Vehicles (UTV), and Unmanned Ground Vehicles

“We focus on providing the ARGO UGV platform with a

(UGV).

clean flat top deck that enables our partners complete

Specifically, the UGV business started in 1992 through

flexibility to satisfy their customers' needs to be

the creation of the ARGO Badger platform. The success

configured specifically for any mission”, added Darling.

of this led to many projects in partnership with the

Contributions To the Robotics Industry For almost 30 years, ARGO provides UGV platforms for

capabilities of those applications by making use of our

robotics integrators and researchers. This accelerates

deep knowledge-base and expertise. In addition to being

the development of robots for numerous uses. “By

a platform provider, we sell under the ARGO Rover brand

providing a vehicle platform which is supported as the

providing proven, mature systems to market as a

base for any application, we are cutting development

Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) offering”, said the

time significantly, while also greatly increasing the

CEO.

11

Strategic Partnerships that Paved the Way Forward Every company has partnerships that facilitate

“A key element that brought this partnership together

innovation and so does ARGO. As a company specializing

was the desire to work with a North American company

in off-road amphibious robotic platforms that utilize a

capable of not only providing a long-term product

transmission for improved torque, speed, and run time,

solution but coupling that with worldwide support and

ARGO has an important partnership with Briggs and

service capabilities.”

Stratton. Known as a “power company” for combustion

Another strategic partnership that boosted innovation

engines, both companies have worked hard on

was with Milanion, a commercial and military integrator

developing the Vanguard ™ Lithium battery packs which

who has developed the Agema, a gas-powered UGV. This

are used in some of the ARGO UGVs. This partnership

multi-role platform can be configured for any mission

has enabled the fully electric operation of vehicles that

profile. Its fully amphibious capabilities allow it to go

can run continuously for up to 5 hours of autonomous

anywhere.

driving (25kWh capacity).

What is the Company's Vision?

In 2016, ARGO's President and CEO, Brad Darling joined

defines the product, rather than restricting the

the company and initiated a five-year strategic plan that

applications to the product's capabilities. Having a range

included significant investment in the UGV business.

of platforms available where the user can choose the

This vision has pushed the capabilities of ARGO UGV

powerplant (gas, diesel, electric, hybrid), traction

platforms. A big part of this vision is to be the world-

(wheels or tracks), and other critical options makes

leader in Off-road Amphibious UGVs that can traverse

ARGO UGV's the most flexible platforms in the world

any obstacle they encounter. Beyond this, it is about

and suitable for any off-road application.

providing flexible platforms so that the application

Insights into the Future of Robotics The off-road robotics industry is on the cusp of massive

applications as well. “We aim to get people out of

growth. Globally, dozens of countries are currently

situations that are dangerous and remove the burden of

implementing or evaluating autonomous robotics within

monotony so that businesses utilize their human

their land forces, says Darling. This movement is about

resources to their full potential”, he concluded. ARGO

enhancing capabilities and improving the safety of the

anticipates the industry to evolve and grow rapidly over

soldier. The same trend is underway in commercial

the next 5 years.

12

ARGO

Kiran Smart

Brad Darling

Mohammed Mubin Mallick

President & CEO

CEO & Founder

ARGO is an innova ve robo cs company with over 50 years of history. Established in 1967, ARGO’s vehicle division has been the leader in off-road amphibious vehicles. ARGO has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with purpose-built components throughout the vehicles. From custom-built chassis to transmissions manufactured inhouse, the company provides an end-to-end solu on for every offroad applica on.

Kiran Smart is the first humanoid robots company in Kuwait. It is an award-winning company that provides IT services to business and home users and is wellknown for its innova ve robo cs technology. Kiran Smart effec vely combines technical exper se and domain knowledge to offer customized Computer Networking solu ons and System Integra on solu ons to its customers.

www.argoxtv.com

www.kiransmart.com

Avishkaar

Moley Robotics

Tarun Bhalla CEO Pooja Goyal Co-founder & COO Avishkaar is a robo cs and coding educa on company that is dedicated to educa ng children about high-end technologies in their early years of childhood.

Launched in 2014, Avishkaar is crea ng a global army of young innovators who understand and use next genera on technology like Robo cs, Ar ficial Intelligence, Electronics, IoT and coding. The company gives hardware and so ware access to children in a microenvironment.

TOP

ROBOTICS AT THE FOREFRONT OF

INNOVATION IN

2021

Aegeus Technologies

Solabot Technologies

Dr Mark Oleynik

Suraj Vernekar

Amit Aggarwal

Founder & CEO

Co-founder & CEO

Founder & Director

Moley Robo cs has brought in a game changing revolu on in the cooking industry, with its first ever Robo c Kitchen that can automa cally cook your food in no me. Moley cookware and utensils were designed together with a leading Italian appliances handicra company. The company was founded in 2014 by a London-based computer scien st, robo cs, and healthcare innovator Dr. Mark Oleynik.

Aegeus Technologies aims to design and develop robo c technologies and solu ons. The company's flagship product ‘Intelligent Waterless Solar Panel Cleaning Robot’ helps the customers to reduce soiling losses, increase solar plant efficiency and save huge amounts of water. Aegeus Technologies engages with the customers right from the design stage to understand their challenges, develop products, and offer services to improve efficiency.

Solabot Technologies Pvt Ltd. is an advanced dry robo c cleaning solu on company that aims to deliver premium quality services for solar panel systems. It specializes in robo c dry-cleaning solu ons that significantly reduces the manual efforts required for wet cleaning and helps reduce opera onal costs.

The company takes pride in being one of the most recognized solar module cleaning system companies.

www.aegeustechnologies.com

www.solabot.in

www.moley.com

www.avishkaar.cc

ForwardX

iRobot

ABB

Intuitive

Nicolas Chee Founder & CEO

Colin Angle

Ronen Aharon

Gary S Guthart

Chairman, CEO & Founder

CEO

CEO

ForwardX is a global technology developer focused on ar ficial intelligence and its successful adop on in intelligent robo cs.

Founded in 2016, the company has developed a number of innova ve products for the consumer and business markets from OVIS, the world’s first sidefollowing suitcase to its visual Autonomous Mobile Robots (vAMR). ForwardX develops intelligent solu ons to create business value.

iRobot is a leading global consumer robot company that designs and builds robots to empower people. iRobot products including the awardwinning Roomba Vacuuming Robot and the Braava family of mopping robots have been welcomed into millions of homes around the world and are hard at work, helping people to help more things done. The company is commi ed to fostering innova on and technological explora ons.

ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transforma on of society and industry to achieve a more produc ve, sustainable future. By connec ng so ware to its electrifica on, robo cs, automa on and mo on por olio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels.

With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about talented employees.

Intui ve is a global leader in minimally invasive care and pioneer of robo c-assisted surgery, end-toend learning, and value-added services. As one of the pioneers of robo c-assisted surgery, the company’s da Vinci surgical system is used today by surgeons to deliver a less invasive approach. Working with physicians and hospitals around the world, Intui ve is helping solve hard problems in healthcare.

www.forwardx.com

www.irobot.in

www.global.abb

www.intui ve.com

13

Pooja Goyal Co-founder and COO

Avishkaar 16

Shaping Children to Become Technologically Advanced Maestros

W

ith technological modernization being the

age, where they have access to hardware, software,

norm today, the world is unimaginable

mentors and most importantly the freedom to build. The

without cutting-end technologies like

solutions provided by the company have touched more

artificial intelligence, machine learning, electronics, and

than 200,000 children and 1500 schools with

internet of things (IoT). While AI is the driver of a hyper-

personalized live sessions, video tutorials and an

modern world, humans are the drivers of innovative and

engaged and thriving community of innovators who love

disruptive AI. Schooling children from a very nascent

to build things, play with technology, and express their

stage about artificial intelligence and the know-how is

imagination through real life projects.

imperative to make them well cognizant. This is where

In the recent days, Avishkaar has raised INR5 crore

Avishkaar steps up to assist children in transforming

funding in pre-Series A round in which Auxano, Mumbai

themselves to technologically strong humans. Avishkaar

Angels, Alok Mittal, angel investor & Co-founder and

(Hindi word for invention; pronounced as aah-vish-kar) is

CEO, Indifi Technologies; and Varun Aggarwal, Co-

a robotics and coding education company that dedicates

founder, Aspiring Minds, were amongst the major

itself to educating children about high-end technologies

participants. The company aims to utilize the latest

in their early years of childhood. The company unleashes

funding towards product development, hiring talent, and

solutions for children that invite them to embrace new

user-based expansion across Tier I and Tier II cities.

perspectives on technology.

The Progress Trajectory to Prosperity Educating Young Minds Passionately

Avishkaar commenced with a passion to help children

Launched in 2014, Avishkaar is creating a global army of

build robots and in the process enable them to acquire

young innovators who understand and use next

the skills of mechanical design, computational thinking,

generation technology like Robotics, Artificial

and coding. Tarun, the Founder of the company worked

Intelligence, Electronics, IoT and coding. Avishkaar

tirelessly to promote the culture of 'making' in India by

enables schools and families to create

setting up robotics labs in schools, training teachers and

microenvironments for children between 5-15 years of

teaching children robotics.

17

In today’s era, robotics is redefining

w w w. a v i s h k a a r. c c

everything from medicine to caretaking, manufacturing and even everyday living.

Avishkaar gradually grows accustomed to seeing robotics employed in everyday life in some way or the other way without even realizing it.

Pooja Goyal Co-founder and COO Avishkaar

18

In the last five years, it has become clear that innovation

to help women who want to step into the field of

is happening more and more at the cusp of two or three

entrepreneurship. I work towards bringing these

domains. The number of interdisciplinary fields is

interests into Avishkaar and building a community of

exploding. Here are few glimpses.

innovators.

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

Bionics: It is the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of

One Company, Many Roles

engineering systems and modern technology.

Avishkaar is keen on equipping children at a young age.

Cybernetics: It is the science of communication and

The company has done an extraordinary job of arming

control theory, relevant to the study of systems, be it

hundreds of thousands of students in the K-12 segment

mechanical, physical, biological, cognitive, or social.

with skills to be future-ready and provide exposure to

Mechatronics: It is at the intersection of mechanics,

next-gen technologies like robotics, IoT, AI and drones. It

electronics, and computing, to help specialists create

is enhancing their skill sets for the future tech-led world,

simpler, smarter systems.

and even PwC estimates that AI could add as much as

Avishkaar also innovated to become a platform where

US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Since its

children can engage in interdisciplinary learning. The

inception, the goal has been to create an army of

company created kits that helped children to learn

innovators and the approach has been to create a

electronics, coding and the fundamentals of IoT (Internet

platform that comprises of hardware kits, software

of Things). One such kit is Mechatronics that taught

solutions and live online sessions to ensure that children

children about robotics, mechanical design, coding and

have the right tools, curriculum, coaching and

design thinking.

environment to excel at these skills.

Avishkaar is now working to deepen solutions around artificial intelligence, making sure that these solutions

Factors that Set the Company Apart

are widely available to children directly not only in India

Acknowledging the fact that innovation is at the heart of

but across the world.

everything Avishkaar does, the company empowers every young maker to bring their ideas to life using a deep

The Genius Minds of the Company

understanding of next generation technologies. It

Pooja Goyal is the Co-founder and COO of Avishkaar,

provides a comprehensive platform that bridges the gap

while Tarun Bhalla is the CEO. Pooja is a serial

between next-generation technology skills and life skills

entrepreneur and an educator. Her last venture

with appropriate tools, community, content and

Intellitots Learning was acquired by Founding Years in

mentoring. The company revolves around the idea that it

December 2017. Prior to that, she co-founded an

is important to nurture creators and not mere

enterprise software company in Silicon Valley. An

consumers. In doing so, it is important for parents, and

engineer from IIT Delhi, with an MBA from INSEAD,

schools to create micro-environments where children

France, Pooja has worked in the USA, Europe and India,

can make, break, experiment, take risks and fail.

and has successfully paired her work experience at

Avishkaar is partnering with industry leaders like

companies like Adobe Systems and Palm with her

Amazon and Flipkart to make its products and solutions

passion for education. She is an angel investor and

available to more and more children across India. The

advisor to many startups and has been awarded the

company is also collaborating with educational

'Woman of Substance' award. She is also an advocate for

institutions like Plaksha University to expose 6- 10th

women entrepreneurs and recently started a SHEOClub

graders to real-world engineering problems, hands-on

19

learning and interdisciplinary coursework, while helping

strategy, the company has accelerated the brand's

them leverage technology to solve complex problems.

growth by more than five times over the span of a year.

Avishkaar has been one of the earliest players to set up Atal Tinkering Labs and also envisioned the Avishkaar

Treasure Trove of Awards and Accolades

Learning Programs (ALPs), intending to make the

Avishkaar holds multiple accolades to its name, for its

learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and

significant contributions to educating children about AI

Mathematics (STEM) concepts a fun-filled and engaging

and ML, over the years. The company has been awarded

experience. The company also develops and provides in-

the title of 'Best Robotics & Educational Kits' by

school robotic programs for children and installs

Electronics Maker. The company received the 'Best Stem

robotics and science labs for schools. The company has

Products Supplier' award by Aicra India Stem, Emerge 50

set up more ATLs than any other organization in India. Till

Awards 2016 in India' by NASSCOM and has also been

date, it has set up 700+ ATL labs across the country. It has

awarded Best Industrial Design Product.

also partnered with schools across the country, such as DPS, Sanskriti School, Step by Step to name a few.

Insights into Robotics, Automation, and its Future In today's era, robotics is redefining everything from

Overcoming the Challenges to Evolve Persistently

medicine to caretaking, manufacturing and even

Avishkaar transitioned from setting up robotics and

everyday living. Avishkaar gradually grows accustomed

innovation labs in schools where teachers were available

to seeing robotics employed in everyday life in some way

to guide the students as they built complex projects using

or the other way without even realizing it. As the

Avishkaar tools to directly selling to families. One of the

applications grow, the reality of it is bound to become

big challenges was to make the product self-explanatory;

more apparent.

something that would not require too much time

With 47% of American jobs at a high risk of robot

investment from a parent. To address this challenge, the

takeover, it is evident that the industry is growing rapidly.

company built a lot of engaging and interactive video

In the post Covid-19 era, the use of automation and

content as explainers for the kids to learn from.

robotics is likely to expand as it can reduce the

Secondly, Avishkaar utilized its existing resource of

disruptions to plant operations, enhance productivity,

faculties who are trained in robotics, coding, and are

and reduce risks associated with health and availability

well-versed with Avishkaar kits to initiate live online

of labor. Looking at the pace the industry is expanding,

classes for the students. The company anticipated the

robots are expected to displace 20 million

situation induced by a pandemic outbreak well and used

manufacturing jobs by 2030.

its data-driven decision-making capabilities and existing

Therefore, Tarun believes that it is critical to arm children

network to reach out directly to our consumers which

with the skills needed for this world. They have to be

aided growth. In the pre-COVID period, the startup it

equipped to be creators and shapers of this technology

was working with over 1,500 schools and had grown its

rather than mere consumers. “The good news is building

user-base to over 100,000 children. Post-March 2020, as

robots and electronics projects can be unimaginable fun

the schools shut down, the company was quick to adapt

as children learn not only the technology under the hood

to this situation and shifted gears to focus on a D2C

but also the key skills of computational thinking,

(Direct to Consumers model) through its existing school

mechanical design and design thinking,” he says.

network and ecommerce channels. With this shift in

20

Suraj Vernekar Co-Founder and CEO

Aegeus Technologies 22

Relentlessly Delivering Cutting-Edge Technologies to Drive Sustainability

A

utomation is the new normal to drive

technologies and solutions. The company's flagship

transformation in business processes.

product is the Intelligent Waterless Solar Panel Cleaning

Companies are using big data, machine

Robot which helps the customers reduce soiling losses,

learning, and IoT for better time management and

increase solar plant efficiency and save huge amounts of

efficiency in operations. Aegeus Technologies is one such

water.

organization that is aiming to create 100% made-in-India

The organization engages with the customers right from

robotic technologies and intelligent solutions for

the design stage to understand their challenges, develop

complex challenges.

products, and offer services to improve efficiency. Also,

The company aims to understand the challenges faced by

their products and solutions help protect the

the customers and design end-to-end strategies that will

environment.

meet their problems head-on. Aegeus Technologies also aims to promote sustainability and protect the

A Glimpse of the Journey Since the Inception

environment by developing technologies that will

Is the world truly producing clean energy that preserves

preserve nature.

our natural resources, protects the environment?

The journey of Aegeus Technologies began with a quest

Brief About the Organization

to find a sustainable solution to the above challenge. It

Aegeus Technologies aims to design and develop robotic

operates at the intersection of two of the world's biggest

23

www.aegeustechnologies.com 24

The past few years have seen a tremendous improvement in robotics and automation technology, aided by massive developments in the fields of AI, ML, and IoT. This has a large impact on a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, mobility, and energy.

Suraj Vernekar Co-Founder and CEO Aegeus Technologies

challenges- clean energy generation and water

His global experience, strong understanding of

conservation.

technology, and customer-centricity are visible in the products which maintain global standards and with no

Today, solar panels are deployed at a massive scale to

compromise on the quality of product & services. That is

help drive the transition towards clean energy. But,

imbibed in the entire team because of his leadership.

soiling is a major challenge that can reduce the plant efficiency anyway between 3-40%. The present method

Ways in which the Company Serving the Industry and

of cleaning uses another valuable natural resource,

its Clients

which is water. It is not realistic to solve one problem by

Aegeus is the only Indian company with indigenous

creating another. Over the past three years, this

technology for intelligent waterless cleaning of solar

organization has been relentlessly working with solar

panels, and that is unique to any other design in the

power producers, O&M companies, and field-level

world. It has received patents in India and has applied for

operators capturing their CTQs. The challenges of the

patents across different parts of the world and has also

Indian installations are incredibly unique. Thus, Aegeus

earned a lot of appreciation from various customers

has developed an indigenous technology that addresses

across the world and is now gearing up to export the

these challenges viz: portability, speed, efficiency,

products to the global market. It strongly believes that

undulation, etc. It is designed for India but suited for the

India has the potential to become a global supplier of

global markets.

high-quality, state-of-the-art technology products and the company aims to become a part of that ecosystem.

The Visionary Leader Behind the Entire Operation

Over the past couple of years, it has helped customers

Suraj Vernekar is the Co-founder and CEO of the

save millions of litres of water, increase the solar plant

company. He has over two decades of experience with

efficiency and also reduce the carbon footprint.

large MNCs like GE, Eaton, etc., in different roles and geographies.

Leading Sustainability with Automation and IoT

Suraj was a Global Product Manager based in the UK,

According to Suraj, the past few years have seen a

responsible for a P&L across Global IEC markets. He is

tremendous improvement in robotics and automation

also passionate about developing technologies that can

technology, aided by massive developments in the fields

help protect the environment. Motivated by the Make In

of AI, ML, and IoT.

India initiative, he returned to India and set up Aegeus

This has a large impact on a wide variety of industries,

Technologies with a young team of engineers.

including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, mobility,

25

and energy. Aegeus Technologies is working on

cater to their requirement. Users find their robots easily

addressing multiple challenges and has a product

portable, easy to operate and maintain. The company

roadmap wherein it will deploy several of these

attributes the current product design to the feedback it

technologies.

has received from the users over the past three years.

Winning the Challenges

Aegeus has been recognized among The Most Innovative

Aegeus 's journey as a startup has not been any different.

Startup at ELEVATE100. It has been the finalist at various

It has been a roller coaster journey since its inception.

startup events and has been identified as Most

The variables are way too many when one is trying to

Innovative and Most Promising Startups of India by

design something indigenous and there are only a few

various magazines. Aegeus is also a part of the ICC-

reference points. Hence, getting the right design was the

sponsored India Pavilion at World Future Energy Summit

first challenge. There was no doubt in their minds on the

2020, Abu Dhabi. Aegeus is also a recipient of financial

market potential, but technology adoption took longer

assistance from the Dept. of Science, Govt of India under

than we imagined. The vagaries of weather and the

the SRIJAN scheme.

pandemic have not helped it either. Funds then became a major bottleneck.

A Uniqueness that Attracts More Customers

The company owes its success to the strong team, who

Aegeus endeavors to help customers truly produce clean

persisted despite all the challenges. They are driven by a

energy. It focuses on developing solutions that help the

strong passion and are now backed up by investors who

customers increase efficiency while conserving natural

firmly believe in their capabilities and support the vision.

resources. It also believes that technology is just an enabler. Aegeus is deploying image recognition, IoT, and

A c hi evem ent s and Di s t i nc t i ons Creat i ng t he

ML technology not only for solar module cleaning but,

Difference

also for predictive maintenance of the plant. The

Aegeus engages with its customers as its partners in

company is constantly identifying new challenges and

growth. It is constantly working with them to understand

developing roadmaps to innovate new solutions.

their needs and customize our products/solutions to 26

THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN

HUMANS AND MACHINE 28

B

usiness leaders around the world are adopting massive technological changes to achieve s u c c e s s a n d e n h a n c e t h e i r o p e ra t i o n a l productivity. These technological changes aim to transform the core business algorithms, amplify the growth of the business by changing its interactions with the customers, and encourage employee productivity.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things are slowly and steadily becoming an integral part of our daily lives. In the future, humans will collaborate with machines to exchange and share information, work towards a common goal to fulfill individual and organizational needs. AI-driven robots and tools are predicted to replace humans in organizations to ensure agility in business operations. But the question is that if artificial intelligence and robots replace humans in offices, how will organizations reshape and optimize their business strategies to ensure the optimal integration of talent and input by the machines?

Today's AI-driven revolution is transforming machines into intellectual collaborators. The potential advantages of a sensor-guided, robot-human collaboration are massive. But there might be certain disadvantages to this collaboration as well: The proximity to human collaborators: Machines are more powerful than humans. Having 'fragile' humans work near these powerful machines might prove dangerous. Currently, these risks are minimized by simply barring humans from working near active robots, segregating machines and humans in completely different working environments, and distancing humans with shields and quad rails. In a collaborative environment, these separations are not always workable, and hence humans have to partner with active robots (or 'cobots' aka collaborative robots). Ÿ Data overload: Machine learning and data analytics work with rich and censored data. Data analytics derive insights from this data to help businesses make informed decisions after analyzing recent market trends, customer behavior and patterns, their needs and wants. Generating vast amounts of data might overwhelm the computing systems and cause a delay in accurate decision-making. Ÿ

Ÿ

Cost: Businesses employ artificial intelligence tools and software to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency in business operations. But these tools and software might not be affordable for several enterprises, thus reducing their business growth and agility.

In the future, business leaders will have to accept these disadvantages, move forward with the machine and man alliance, and optimize their business operations accordingly.

Some research and surveys show that this increase in collaboration is one of the top priorities for business leaders. Without the expansion of the relationship between humans and machines across the traditional boundaries of functions and geography, businesses cannot leverage and raise their talents effectively for continuous growth and innovations.

Benefits of the Collaboration Humans and machines will work together to enhance their operational capabilities, their strengths, and fill up each other's weaknesses. Ÿ Working together would reduce the risks of human errors and provide relief to the employees. Ÿ Machines would ensure that humans can perform those tasks that they would be incapable of performing on their own. Ÿ

The Future of Human-Machine Collaboration Artificial intelligence is at a critical stage of development.

Early adopters are investing in advanced systems with autonomous sensing that can communicate, interpret, and learn on their own. Businesses are focusing on creating optimized business strategies based on the alternative systems of human-machine collaborations. It will not only enhance human capabilities but also unlock unprecedented opportunities for business enterprises.

According to some experts, if businesses continue to invest in human and artificial intelligence collaboration, it will boost their revenues by an incredible value of 38% approximately. Currently, it is unclear whether or not humans can handle machine intelligence, but what is clear is that the future is about to bring unimaginable opportunities for business leaders and will transform the very cores of our working environment.

29

Nicolas Chee Founder & CEO

ForwardX Robotics 30

A Focused Team with a Global Perspective

F

o r w a r d X R o b o t i c s i s a n aw a r d - w i n n i n g

Mission to Add Business Value

developer of intelligent robotics with offices

Founded in 2016, ForwardX is built on a vision of the

located globally. With a core focus on Artificial

future where intelligent robotics contribute more to the

Intelligence and its successful application within

society, freeing people from menial tasks and allowing

Robotics, ForwardX offers the world's only visual

everyone to live more meaningful lives. Since its

Autonomous Mobile Robot fleet for use in a wide range

conception, ForwardX's mission has been to add value to

of business scenarios. A globally recognized AMR leader,

people's lives and businesses' operations through the

ForwardX solutions address a number of pain points

development of cutting-edge automation technology.

across the supply chain from manufacturing to logistics

Unlike many high-tech organizations, ForwardX's prides

functions.

itself on practically applying next generation

ForwardX Robotics currently serves a number of

technologies to areas where they really matters.

Fortune 500 companies across a wide range of

ForwardX first received public attention through OVIS,

industries, such as SF DHL, ITOCHU Logistics, TCL, and

the world's only side-following suitcase, which

more. Its solutions have delivered real value to each and

crowdfunded over US$1 million and earned coverage in a

every customer leading to 50% labor cost reductions,

number of leading publications, including Forbes,

200%-300% increases in productivity, and accuracy

VentureBeat, TechCrunch, and more.

increases up to 99.5%. ForwardX Robotics currently

ForwardX's technological capabilities also have a huge

possess over 160 pending patents with a team of 180

positive impact within the supply chain, where a number

people, which includes 120 engineers of which 10 hold

of external pressures are creating chaos for the

PhDs.

manufacturing and logistics functions within large-scale

ForwardX is comprised of the world's top computer

enterprises and SMEs alike. While developing OVIS,

vision scientists and robotics experts as shown by its

ForwardX began to develop its automation platform,

st

award-winning work, such as two 1 -Place Prizes at st

TRECVID and a 1 Place Prize for IEEE's VOT-RT.

ForwardX Matrix, which combines fleets of visual Autonomous Mobile Robots, also known as vAMRs, with intelligent fleet management infrastructure to automate

31

ForwardX continues to work tirelessly

www.forwardx.com

on developing collaborative mobile robotics that solve real problems and improve lives. Our mission to deliver bottom-line value to warehousing and manufacturing environments remains the ultimate motivation for us.”

Nicolas Chee Founder & CEO ForwardX Robotics

32

a number of labor-intensive tasks within warehouses,

benefits. Since founding the company, Nicolas has not

distribution centers, and manufacturing plants. To date,

shied away from his technical background nor his acute

it has developed a number of different solutions for use

talent for leadership. Recruiting and collaborating with

across a wide range of scenarios; its current offering

recognized experts, from computer vision scientists to

consists of the ForwardX FLEX and MAX solutions, each

technical project managers to supply chain

integrating a combination of its vAMR range and f(x) fleet

professionals, Nicolas has been able to assemble and

management software for a comprehensive material

lead a team with his deep technical and industry

handling solution.

knowledge.

Within the last 18 months, ForwardX has pushed to

While every startup's voyage faces ups and downs,

expand its market across the world, with an expansion to

Nicolas has proven to be a worthy captain steering the

the United States in early 2020 and an upcoming launch

ship with a level head and staying true to the company's

into the established robotics market of Japan.

mission.

A Global Technology Leader

Developing the Best of Autonomous Technology

Nicolas Chee, the Founder and CEO of ForwardX

According to leading industry analysts, the United States

Robotics is considered a forward-thinking leader in the

and China combined are expected to account for nearly

industry. Before beginning his postgraduate degree in

three-quarters of all Autonomous Mobile Robot

Integrated Circuits from Beihang University, Nicolas

revenues within three years while also representing half

competed in and won ABU's Robocon, an international

of the supplier market. These predictions show how

robotics competition that attracts the most talented

important intelligent robotics already are and will to

students from programming, mechanical design, and

continue to be in the future of world-leading economies.

electronic circuit design majors across Asia.

As part of this exploding landscape, ForwardX stands as a

After completing his master's degree, Nicolas joined SAP

visionary; while other vendors focus on more

as a Project Manager and Senior Business Consultant,

rudimentary technology, ForwardX puts the “intelligent”

working there for close to 5 years before moving to

back into “intelligent automation”, with a clear focus on

Oracle to head up its SaaS division as a Regional VP.

developing the best of autonomous technology.

While at Oracle, Nicolas's hard work resulted in a

Furthermore, with the fallout of COVID setting in,

number of honors, from being recognized as a Global Top

material handling automation has moved to the

100 Performer and China's Top 10 to being awarded a

forefront of the supply chain priority list; accelerating e-

Global President's Club membership. However, it was

commerce growth, rising high mix, low volume (HMLV)

after six successful years at Oracle that Nicolas

production, and a widening labor gap have proven to be

conceived his vision of the future and, in April 2016,

the key drivers behind the overall trends towards

founded ForwardX Robotics committing himself to his

intelligent automation. During this time, ForwardX and

vision.

its solutions are proving to be indispensable for its global

Since its early beginnings, ForwardX has devoted itself to

client base. With the flexibility of the Matrix platform,

pushing the envelope technologically and putting new

clients like SF Supply Chain China, ITOCHU Logistics,

technologies to test. As a company with a clear

and TCL are able to make the best of ForwardX solutions

technological advantage, Nicolas saw ForwardX as a

to address general demand instability, spikes in e-

pioneer of the automation industry with a responsibility

commerce orders, and the need for health and safety

to deliver mature solutions that could provide tangible

initiatives. With production returning in the U.S. and the

33

production in China all but recovered, its clients have

ForwardX has received a number of awards for its work

seen industry-leading levels of resiliency in their

in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. It

operations within the four walls of their warehousing

secured 1st place prizes for Pedestrian Detection at

and manufacturing facilities.

NIST's TRECVID, 1 st place prize for Multi-Object Tracking at IEEE's VOT-RT, 95% accuracy and 65% first

Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovative Solutions

hit rate with Market-1501 and ViPER datasets

ForwardX is a company founded on innovation and drive

respectively, Best Paper award at ACM Multimedia

to push the world forward. This core axiom can be seen

2013, and a Gold Medal at TAAI 2017. Furthermore, the

across every function of the company, from product

company has been recognized by leaders in the advisory

management to R&D to marketing. The team at

world, such as IDC, ABI Research, and LogisticsIQ, as a

ForwardX prides itself on strong lateral thinking and a

leading solution provider. As the developer of the world's

holistic outlook of the world. These competencies

only visual AMR fleets, the ForwardX team is proud of its

combined give them an ability to innovate and develop

status as one of the most innovative robotics providers in

solutions with clear value and a strong product-market

the world.

fit. Furthermore, operating in a relatively infantile

With customer centricity as a core brand value,

market, ForwardX understands that many of the

ForwardX has always aimed to deliver above and beyond

situations facing customers are being experienced for

the expectations of its customers. With customers who

the very first time and, in many cases, the company is

are results-driven multinational enterprises, ForwardX

developing solutions to entirely new problems with very

aims to deliver substantial productivity increases and

little established data. With this in mind, ForwardX sees

cost reductions that make its solutions a truly valuable

tremendous value in its customers as a deep pool of

asset to its customer's operations. The company's

knowledge to guide innovation.

aspiration to overdeliver has helped it to develop deep

ForwardX believes that, while the mobile robotics

relationships with all of its customers, who value

market is relatively young, automation itself is very much

determination and focus when it comes to ensuring that

established due to Warehouse Management Systems

the solutions offered to them are in the best position to

(WMS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

succeed.

having penetrated a huge portion of the market already.

Furthermore, with very complex value streams, supply

Transforming Challenges to Opportunities

chain activities will always require a number of different

Like most startups, especially within a new market, the

vendors contracted to automate different parts of the

company faces new challenges every day. It asserts that,

process. Because of this, the need for strong strategic

every startup will face challenges from their culture,

partnerships is vital to ensure its solutions are not siloed

recruiting and retaining talent, product development,

within one piece of the process and that the data its

marketing, etc. and these challenges are to be expected

solutions are able to gather can be used effectively

for the most part.

across different platforms. With this in mind, ForwardX

For ForwardX, its strength has always been in its

works with a number of hardware providers, related

technology and its technical expertise. But, with

automation providers, and distributors to ensure

disruptive technologies, it is all about entering existing

continuous innovation and growth.

markets and trying to address complex, nuanced problems that have been problems for a long time.

Valuable Feedbacks and Awards

34

The company believes that, as a startup, it is approaching

these problems with a fresh approach to try to reimagine

In supply chain functions particularly, with the outbreak

the problem and apply technical expertise to a new

of COVID, the amplified need for intelligent automation

solution. The main challenge with this is truly

across logistics, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare

understanding the problem, the people experiencing the

environments can be seen. As a result, there is more

problem, and all of the complexities that come with that.

willingness to adopt next-gen technologies due to major

For example, in a traditional industry like the logistics

shifts in mindset and a lot of age-old beliefs being thrown

industry, there are some set “rules” that are followed

out of the window; a key example of this is the belief that

across the industry, but every operation will have its own

one can be productive or flexible but not both. It's long

way of doing things. This makes attaining a deep

been thought that achieving high levels of productivity

understanding impossible without speaking directly to

and flexibility was impossible. Companies were forced to

countless sources and experts on the subject. ForwardX

choose between the two and, with the rarity of major

has managed to make the best of this challenge through

disruptions and the temporal distance between those

strategic partnerships and some great hires.

events, most tended to choose a highly productive but

Other than that, like most other startups developing a

rigid operation. But, in doing so, they left themselves

disruptive technology, ForwardX has faced challenges in

entirely susceptible to an event like COVID.

trying to convince traditional enterprises who have

Supply chains are starting to understand that they

always done things a certain way to change the way they

cannot afford to sacrifice agility and flexibility anymore.

do things. Particularly in the case of Autonomous Mobile

As a result, many companies are starting to look for

Robots, there is always going to be some fear that robots

solutions that can offer equally productive and flexible

will replace humans and create more unemployment.

operations. ForwardX believes that technological

ForwardX, however, believes that robots are a

advancement, and particularly robotics advancement,

complement to humans and that solutions will actually

will present opportunities for companies to achieve

serve to create more jobs and elevate society to new

both. An obvious example can be seen in autonomous

levels of productivity. The company reasons that the

robotics where supply chains can implement highly

level of automation in the world is at its highest and yet,

flexible and scalable solutions that increase productivity

until COVID, unemployment had not been negatively

and efficiency almost immediately.

affected at all. As time goes on, ForwardX is starting to

The robotics industry will act as a point of convergence

see fewer and fewer worries around that subject and

for a lot of advanced technologies. Furthermore,

more of a focus on how enterprises can reskill

ForwardX expects to see robotics go through a phase of

workforces, increase worker satisfaction, and,

i n t e r o p e ra b i l i t y d eve l o p m e n t w h e r e r o b o t i c s

ultimately, get the best out of their workers.

developers unify and use their individual strengths to develop complete solutions. Through robotics,

Promising Future Ahead

traditional industries will be able to apply the latest and

Looking at the industry as a whole, ForwardX believes

greatest technologies to areas of their operations that

that the next five years are set to be transformative for

have previously been unsuitable for automation.

those in the robotics industry. By now, everyone has seen

Through its mission to add value where it matters,

the plethora of research reports predicting huge growth

ForwardX aims to continue to develop and deliver robust

in the robotics industry but, particularly in the AGV/AMR

next-gen solutions that achieve positive bottom-line

market, widespread adoption is expected over the next

results.

three years.

35

Mohammed Mubin Mallick CEO and Founder

Kiran Smart 38

Spearheading Robotic Innovations in the Middle East and Empowering Humanity

K

iran Smart is the first humanoid robots

Kiran Smart. He is an innovator of Humanoid Robot

company in Kuwait. It is an award-winning

Services and Founder of Mi-Robots Company registered

company for being the most innovative in

in India. Mubin holds a Master's in MBA from Cardiff

robotics technology in Kuwait, providing IT services to

University, UK, and has achieved several professional

business and home users. Kiran Smart effectively

certificates. He also has vast experience across different

combines technical expertise and domain knowledge to

sectors and different companies including

offer customized Computer Networking solutions and

manufacturing unit in LG., Sony, and expertise in the

System Integration solutions to its customers. Being a

distribution channel management for Asian ethnic's

Top IT Company in Kuwait, Kiran Smart offers industry-

garments in Wales. Mubin initially launched Kiran Smart

standard integrated solutions, IT consulting, IT

as an IT company to serve the market with cost-effective

maintenance, IT consultancy, and IT solutions.

solutions without compromising on the quality and later

The company's mission is to help others and empower

took it to the next level by partnering with major IT

humanity while remaining focused on the company's

companies around the world. He has delivered many

corporate mission to provide innovative, reliable, and

public presentations and live demos on Robots in Smart

high-quality services to clients throughout the globe and

City, Robots in Real Life, Robots in our future life, Robots

GCC.

in Education, and Robots in Health Care.

Recognized as The Most Admired Global Indian 2020 by

An Aspirational and Innovative Mind Driving the

Passion Vista and Unified Brainz, Mubin was nominated

Success

as the Person of the Year 2020-21 by AsiaOne. With his

Mohammed Mubin Mallick is the CEO and Founder of

leadership and immense expertise, he made Kiran Smart

39

www.kiransmart.com 40

Every home will have robots by 2050 like how we have mobile with each of us. We are no more into science fiction movie but now we are in the real world of robotics.

Mohammed Mubin Mallick CEO and Founder Kiran Smart

to be recognized as The 10 Most Disruptive Robotics

pandemic. The major services were on UV disinfection

Company of 2020 and Most Innovative Technology

robots and delivery service robots. The different types of

Robotics Company 2021 – Kuwait.

robot models, its services, and solutions, which are

Further, Mubin is working on Vision 2050, where he aims

unique for each industry, make Kiran Smart the most

his robots to be in every home around the world. He is

innovative company. The company has partnered with

also working on a dream event called the Rise of Robotics

many robots manufacturers and robotics companies

Generation that would create jobs, develop the economy

around the globe to keep the market trend up to date and

of the country, and bring all the robotics industry on a

stay ahead in the competitive edge. According to Kiran

single platform to serve humanity.

Smart, its team continuously researches the

Mubin has made remarkable contributions to the

development of the robotics market in different

hospitality industry, healthcare, educational, and

industries.

entertainment industry in robotics. He has created awareness and educated a lot of industries on free

A Future Adorned with Disruptive and Intelligent

seminars and webinars. Mubin has also eminently

Technology

contributed to the digital transformation and other IT

Considering the present scenario, the world is

services as well.

witnessing a pandemic due to which normal life and business life are affected drastically. Hence, Mubin

Robotics for All

believes that most of the industries and business

Kiran Smart acquired great momentum during the

acquiring automation system or technology is trying to

pandemic and served different industries with robotics

implement new norms in place like social distancing, less

including disinfection robots, service robots, delivery

human interaction, wearing masks, and continuous

robots, interactive robots, and playing robots for kids.

sanitization. However, the company states that

The company says that its solutions covered schools,

automation cannot be very effective without the

restaurants, shopping malls, corporate offices, hospitals,

implementation of robotics and artificial intelligence

and houses by benefitting the larger humanity through

since there are industries that need all these

the right solutions. As Kiran Smart is the only Robotics

technologies.

Services and Solutions company in Kuwait, it has played a

As far as Mubin observes, the future is widely dependent

major role in developing the robotics industry, its market

on automation, AI and robotics. These advanced

awareness and shares in the Middle East.

technologies are being used and would be used in the future in transportation, manufacturing, healthcare,

A Journey through Software Solutions into Advanced

education, media, hospitality, and customer services,

Robotics

states Mubin

Kiran Smart initially offered IT solutions and services for local markets to fulfill the demand of customers.

Countless Achievements and Customer Trust

However, in the course of years, the company diversified

Until now, Kiran Smart has received many recognitions

into digital transformation and robotics. The company

and awards for being the Most Innovative Robotics

states that once it entered into the AI Humanoid Robot

Technology Company in Kuwait. It includes awards from

Services, Kiran Smart gained wider recognition locally

the Kuwait Institute For Scientific Research (KISR), and

and internationally. The company started delivering its

the Ministry of Awqaf – Kuwait. Analytics Insight has

robotics solutions in other countries during the

recognized the company as the Top Most Disruptive

41

Robotics Company of 2020. Lately, Corporate Vision UK

Facing the Challenges and Rising from Failures

acclaimed Kiran Smart by presenting the 2021

Mubin believes that challenges make people stronger. If

Corporate Excellence Awards for being the Most

one does not challenge in life that means they do not have

Innovative Robotics Technology Company 2021in

the vision and mission according to the company, since in

Kuwait and the company reckons this one of the best

every goal there are challenges hidden to face. He

achievements.

mentions that apart from making a person strong,

Mubin notes that out of the innumerable feedbacks and

challenges help to build the strategy to overcome it and

testimonials from the customers, the best one is from

head towards success. The company has always keenly

Mrs. Anita Lobo, IT Cluster Director of Crowne Plaza

introduced new products in the market, which people did

Hotel and Holiday Inn Hotel Kuwait. The company states

not know and made it a success while challenging the

the feedback, which said that she can never forget the

other known products.

support of Kiran Smart when they had urgent needs

Mubin unveils that the company had to deal with many

during the Ramadan month, just before breaking the fast.

challenges that still exist. The major challenges the

The feedback reads that no company would provide the

company faced were in finance, creating a smart and

support or services at the times during Ramadan and

innovative team, gaining loyal customers, keeping

even though the engineer from Kiran Smart was fasting,

updated in the market, upskilling employees to the latest

they heartily lend support to help the hotel from

and innovative technologies, and winning the trust of

suffering any technical issue, which might have resulted

investors.

in complaints. Mubin highlights that this feedback remains the closest as he has always trained the team to constantly support its customers.

42

Dr Mark Oleynik Founder and CEO

Moley Robotics 44

Innovating the Future of Cooking

R

emember the Harry Potter world, where

different cooking techniques (e.g., frying, steaming,

kitchens used to make dinner by itself; well, it is

boiling, baking and adding ingredients on time to

not an imagination anymore. Moley Robotics

assemble the whole complicated dish from raw

has brought in a game changing revolution in the cooking

ingredients to achieve the highest quality result) and dish

industry, with its first ever Robotic Kitchen that can

preparation stages in parallel and sequentially.

automatically cook your food in no time. Moley cookware and utensils were designed together with a

The Foundation of the Company

leading Italian appliances handicraft company. Key

The need for RoboChef was identified in 2013 when

features of this set-up include, ergonomic

Mark detected a gap in the current robotics market to

thermoresistant handles, mirror-polished stainless

radically change the volume of service, economics and

steel, an inner aluminum layer and a magnetic outside

carbon footprint. Since then the company had a long

stainless steel layer, which makes the cookware adaptive

innovative journey from concept generation through

to any hob. Meanwhile, exceptional design makes the

system design, software and hardware systems

cookware worthy of being used at the table as well.

development to product launch in December 2020 during the only offline exhibition in Dubai.

Moley Robotics was founded in 2014 by London-based computer scientist, robotics, and healthcare innovator

The One Who Made it All Possible

Dr. Mark Oleynik, who has created the world's first fully

Mark Oleynik, PhD, Founder/CEO/Interim CTO is an

automated robotic kitchen unit. Moley Robotic Kitchen

accomplished PhD mathematician, computer scientist

is a 3D cooking platform that allows the management of

and proven trailblazer. Mark has a truly exceptional

45

Moley Robotics has finalized the

w w w. m o l e y. c o m

platform integration into residential kitchens, which allows the creation of a wide functional map of the integrated kitchen, meeting the household requirements.

Dr Mark Oleynik Founder and CEO Moley Robotics

46

vision for Moley Robotics. He has managed to patent

there are no applications that are currently implemented

robotic methods and manipulations in 12 countries and

into the mass market. The company's strategy is to

design patents and trademarks in 9 countries. He has

gradually increase the range of products that it develops,

invented a new system of robotic application not only in

which will allow them to decrease the price and enter the

residential/commercial cooking environments but in

mass market, cascading from the highest price segment

other instrumental environments, where a system

to medium into low through the pyramid of demand.

consisting of one and more integrated robotic arms can operate in all environments to complete multi-stage

Moments of Achievement of the Company

parallel and sequential process files.

Moley Robotics won the Best of the Best award during CES Asia in 2015. It has the strongest and oldest patent

Building a Better Future for the Robotic Industry

portfolio from 2014 with 8 granted patents as well as the

Moley Robotics is solving the problems of households

first and only robotic kitchen in the world to be able to

seeking higher standards of nutrition but having less

cook a whole dish from fresh ingredients. It is famous for

time and willingness to cook. Restaurant delivery helps

its unique robotic hand developed and produced with

only partially, however, it does not keep the freshness

SCHUNK, the world-leading robotic manufacturer. It has

and quality of the meal. People need an automated

a cloud-based library of robotic recipes from world-class

solution for cooking in their kitchen. At the same time,

chefs along with the high-end design of the residential

restaurants and other commercial kitchens struggle

version. Moley Robotics integrated multiple recipe types

from staff turnover, increasing labour cost and human

and variations capabilities in one machine.

mistakes as well as increasing hygiene kitchen standards.

Commercial kitchens need an automated solution for

Future Endeavors in Robotics

cooking and replacing part of human labour. There are

Moley Robotics has finalized the platform integration

many institutions and locations where top-quality chefs

into residential kitchens, which allows the creation of a

won't work: hospitals, night shifts/breakfast service in

wide functional map of the integrated kitchen, meeting

hotels, senior houses, penitentiary, dark kitchens. The

the household requirements. The next stage is to

company has joined partnership with SCHUNK and

increase the kitchen system performance and reliability,

Universal Robots.

which will allow it to be used in commercial applications, where high productivity of food preparation based on

The Challenging Phase of the Journey

the renowned chefs' various recipes is required. In the

The main challenge through the journey of Moley

future, the company plans to integrate the platform into

Robotics is price optimization. According to Mark, the

other environments: laboratory application, biotech,

robotics market is high-margin and low-volume, and

chemical, highly hazardous environment, medical, etc.

47

How Robots will A ect Human Life?

48

R

egarding the impact of robots, there is a major

For example, if human labour can make ten bowls, a robot

debate among people about whether their

would make 100 bowls in its place, which would help a lot

effect would be positive or negative. The use of

more people to have the benefit of using bowls. On the

robots is growing around us. The following article aims to

other hand, it would also reduce the manufacturing cost

list the major effects robots will have on human life.

of the bowls and it would make prices of the bowls cheaper. In effect, it would make those products

Free-up Workload

available to people in large numbers.

Robots generally complete work that is monotonous or strenuous for human beings. The aim of making robots is

Balance in Work and Personal life

not to replace humans, but it is to free them from the

Having help from robots in their everyday work, people

tedium of performing most of the basic and low-level

will have more balance in their work and personal life.

tasks. Tasks like coordinating schedules or managing

Those who would lose their job due to the automation

correspondence do not require human intelligence and

systems would be able to find new positions and learn

they can be easily done by robots. It would leave humans

new skills. It would also help them to understand the real

to do more important work that would require human

value that human employees bring to the organisation.

intelligence.

Household Service Cheap and Convenient

Robots can immensely help in doing household chores

Robots can bring down the cost of goods and services

that would save a lot of time and energy. People will be

because it would decrease the price of labour. It would

able to concentrate on valuable ways to spend their time.

give a greater number of people access to things that

They will also have a lot of free time to do things they like

might have previously been out of their means. Certain

instead of wasting their time cleaning and cooking.

jobs, like crop planting and harvesting, require a great deal of physical strength and fortitude to perform. They

Healthcare Services

also tend to be harder to do. Robots can do all of this

When it comes to healthcare, robots can provide more

work. Robots can perform a lot of work like helping in the

accurate results in tests and diagnosis than humans.

farm works, doing the labour work in industries and

Robots are now used not only in the operating room but

other works that take a lot of time. Robots doing these

also in clinical settings to support health workers and

tasks will help in reducing the cost of human labour.

enhance patient care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and clinics began deploying robots for a much

Better Availability of Goods and Services

wider range of tasks to help reduce exposure to

Robots can make ten times more goods and services than

pathogens. It's become clear that the operational

human labour, which would increase the rate of

efficiencies and risk reduction provided by health

production and the availability of everything to people.

robotics offer value in many areas.

49

Amit Aggarwal Founder and Director

Solabot 50

Facilitating Groundbreaking Automation Solutions for Advanced Solar Technologies

C

ompanies around the world have increased

projects. The company takes pride in being one of the

their use of robotic technologies. Implementing

most recognized solar module cleaning system

robotics technology in business operations

companies. Some of the well-known flagship products of

enhances productivity and also ensures increased

the company are:

revenue gains and customer engagement.

Automatic Dry-Cleaning Robot

Understanding the need to provide advanced solutions

Ÿ

for robotics technology, Solabot has established itself as

This is a cleaning robot suitable for utility-scale solar

a premium service-provider for robotics cleaning

power plants. It is fully automatic and programmable so

solutions. The company also focuses on delivering

that the user can set up a custom cleaning schedule.

services in the field of solar energy. Ÿ

Semi-Automatic Dry-Cleaning Robot

Brief Introduction to the Company

The semi-automatic dry-cleaning robot is for PV plants

Solabot Technologies Pvt Ltd. is an advanced dry robotic

that are already commissioned. It offers the flexibility of

cleaning solution company that aims to deliver premium

both manual and automatic scheduling.

quality services for solar panel systems. It specializes in robotic dry-cleaning solutions that significantly reduces

The Mission that Defines its Journey

the manual efforts required for wet cleaning and helps

Solabot's sole mission is to minimize losses by enhancing

reduce operational costs. Over the years, Solabot has

solar through dry robotic cleaning solutions, which

fortified its relationship with Solar industry leaders

ultimately not only increases the revenue for the solar

through the successful deployment of robotic cleaning

power plants but also saves on precious water which was

solutions in commissioned and under-construction

earlier used for cleaning solar modules. Huge quantities

51

Solabot remains at the forefront to understand all the requirements as per the latest market trends. Continuous

www.solabot.in

engagement with IPPs, developers, EPCs, suppliers, understanding new and upcoming technologies, and keeping abreast of the market is what makes the company a prominent leader in dry robotic cleaning in the country.

Amit Aggarwal Founder and Director Solabot

52

of water can be saved by used dry cleaning solutions

industry at the operation and maintenance level, as dust

provided by Solabot.

accumulation on panels can significantly reduce the

Solabot initially started as a startup and was working on

power production of those panels. Dust deposition is a

experimenting with a small rooftop installed at the

critical challenge that will impact the economic viability

founder's residence. The organization has been working

of solar power in many regions if the deposition is not

through many solutions, both wet and dry, looking at

mitigated. Some international research papers report

market potential, going through multiple iterations, and

that the prospective market size of robotic cleaning by

discussing with experienced industry professionals

2026 would cross US$1 billion. As the demand is

about issues regarding cleaning solar panels. This

increasing for the implementation of dry robotics

provided the company a solid ground to work on a robust

cleaning, existing customers who were heavily relying on

and practical solution that could be released in the

wet cleaning are slowly moving towards dry cleaning.

market to help the industry get better returns and save

Dry cleaning helps daily cleaning of modules, and

millions of liters of water with each project. After 2-3

customers want to see trials of the same on their projects

years of reaching out to customers, showing reference

to assess the overall impact of dust on the solar modules,

projects, getting through the certification process,

the generation gain and ultimate revenue projections

approvals from module manufacturers, the company is

from the PV plant. The timing is correct as over sometime

now having a robust pipeline which it captured during

solar panel degrades and implementing dry robotic

the pandemic, working closely with customers as there

cleaning not only covers that loss by cleaning the

was a pause on construction activities on the ground

modules but also provides an additional gain in

from the solar companies.

generation which ultimately leads to increased revenue generation.

Brains Behind the Entire Operation Amit Aggarwal is the Founder and Director of Solabot

Innovation that Distinguishes Solabot

Technologies. He is a serial entrepreneur and has

Solabot remains at the forefront to understand all the

established the successful business of Aggarwal Electro

requirements as per the latest market trends.

Wires Pvt. Ltd in 2007 which specializes as a cable

Continuous engagement with IPPs, developers, EPCs,

manufacturer and is offering a comprehensive range of

suppliers, understanding new and upcoming

fiberglass cables, like PTFE cables. After handing over

technologies, and keeping abreast of the market is what

the business to the next generation, Amit has

makes the company a prominent leader in dry robotic

continuously monitored the Solar PV Industry from

cleaning in the country. There is always interest from

2014 onwards and has worked on developing the dry

like-minded industry leaders to work in close

robotic cleaning product; successfully developing and

partnership and association with Solabot. Solabot is

launching the product in early 2017. The initial phase of

currently working on multiple solutions to further

development and launch provided valuable feedback.

optimize and lower the costs of robotic cleaning, and

While the robots were installed in actual PV Plants, the

efforts are being made to make it more efficient with a

company re-worked the entire robot to make it robust

new product launch regularly. The organization aims to

and optimal, serving the purpose of cleaning the solar

maintain the USP of the overall offering and remain to be

modules.

the most sought after in cleaning solutions.

Serving the Robotics Industry and Clients

Challenges that Paved the Road to Success

Dust remains a significant challenge for the solar

Solabot initially faced major challenges in terms of 53

competition with international players in the market;

The Success, Achievements, and Recognitions

having no reference projects and a very small setup, the

Solabot has been recognized as one of the Top Solar

company was sometimes left out of the consideration of

Robotic Cleaning companies for the year 2020 by

customers. Solabot started slowly building on offering

Mercom–a leading renewable energy magazine. Solabot

trials to customers to provide them confidence. To stay

h a s b e e n r e c o g n i z e d by a n o t h e r m a g a z i n e a s

afloat as a company, there were huge financial

“Technology Innovation of the Year in Robotics in 2020."

commitments because of continuous development on

Solabot has been winning repeat orders from the

the products and also marketing them with no

customers and slowly, it is taking a substantial share in

straightforward experience of the PV Industry left the

the Indian market.

company rethinking on the strategy.

Solabot is trying to forge new assignments outside India

Persistence is something which the founder kept on his

and is currently working and developing partnerships

side and with full support from the family, he led this

especially in the Middle East and the US.

whole initiative of Solabot to success Well-wishers who work a lot in the background to help develop products,

The Future of Robotics and Automation

provide feedback, suggestions on new products, and

Solabot foresees that the future trends will still be

upcoming trends in the market have allowed the

renewable energy and majorly focusing on solar power

company to gain the confidence to work in robotics and

which could be pure grid-connected systems. Going

take a leading position in India. Solabot aims to reach the

forward with energy storage as 24-hour power is

international markets by taking all the products.

something which the organization requires by managing

The company slowly picked up the pace at the end of

the grid network to be independent and slowly move

2018 when it was introducing products. Some

away from fossil fuels. Larger modules, more floating

developers trusted and relied on Solabot and allowed it

solar projects is another big shift which the company

to nurture under their guidance to further improve and

foresees is coming into play as land scarcity and

make the products more efficient by providing real-time

permitting issues allows developers to install projects in

ground feedback. Solabot worked through all the

comparably less area in terms of covering module

feedback and implemented them on the product and

wattage with large modules. Robotic cleaning has picked

upgraded it which was successfully implemented on a

up pace and it ensures more thrust from authorities and

mass scale in different parts of the country. 2019-20 was

bids. Following the trend of using dry cleaning will help

a slow year in terms of growth. Though surprisingly,

developers remain more competitive while bidding,

during COVID, which is FY 2020-21, the company did

considering generation gains from such projects. This

multifold business with the customers. COVID provided

will further allow them to reduce tariffs and become

a pause to the industry and the organization reaped

more competitive all the time. Solabot has set up an

benefits from the contacts and communications which it

advanced platform around IoT to cater preventive,

built over 2017/18/19 and accelerated the reach to

predictive maintenance for the robots, enabling

customers, who could think clearly and order robots for

seamless services to be provided to the customer by

trials and for mass implementation during the pandemic

closely analyzing and monitoring the performance of

itself. Additionally, the company is setting up another

various components in the robots, their wear and tear,

manufacturing unit to cater to the demand and this gives

and replacement timelines. These data points are very

the company a lot of confidence to move to other

important for future analysis and would help improve the

geographies.

product efficiencies going forward.

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