Why a CAN version?

VJ joints in our VietCobot arms run on EtherCAT. EtherCAT is excellent for synchronizing many axes, but it needs an EtherCAT master and a real-time PC. Many customers building their own robots, mobile platforms or teaching labs need something simpler. With VJ-03-CAN, an STM32 microcontroller, a PLC with a CAN port or a PC with a USB-CAN adapter can read position and command position or speed with just a few messages.

Key points

• All-in-one, fully enclosed: BLDC motor, harmonic gear (ratio 50 / 80 / 100), driver, 20-bit multi-turn absolute encoder and brake in one unit.
• Compact protocol: 16 commands, CANopen-style 11-bit IDs, up to 127 joints on one bus.
• Keeps position through power loss: a 3.6 V battery backs the encoder, so no homing at every start-up.
• Safe: fail-safe brake, command watchdog and broadcast emergency stop.
• 24–48 VDC supply, with position, speed and hand-guiding modes.

Each joint ships with a full CAN integration manual and sample code. See the specifications, command set and wiring on the VJ-03-CAN product page.

Building your own robot or motion axis? Contact us for a recommendation and a quote.

The post Introducing VJ-03-CAN: Robot Joint with CAN Bus appeared first on Robot 3T.

In recent years, any discussion of robotics research and manufacturing in Vietnam inevitably mentions Robot3T and its founder, Truong Trong Toai. What began as a personal plan written while he was studying abroad has become a line of industrial robots built in Vietnam and used both at home and in international markets.

Starting a business in his own field, driven by passion and a wish to make a concrete contribution: that is how Toai described the journey of building Robot3T when he spoke to Automation Today on the eve of 2021.

Automation Today: First of all, why did you name your product Robot3T?

Truong Trong Toai: The idea for Robot3T (“3T” is the founder’s initials) took shape while I was doing my master’s degree in biomimetic robotics at Korea University of Technology and Education. A British labmate and I each drew up a personal 30-year plan and critiqued each other’s plans as we went. Each plan set out a concrete roadmap, the results to be achieved and the value we wanted to contribute to our countries.

Automation Today: Startups can choose from many robot platforms. Why did 3C choose to develop an industrial robot platform for small and medium-sized enterprises?

Truong Trong Toai: For me, professional knowledge and passion are the two basic ingredients of a robotics startup idea. Beyond that, I really wanted to contribute something concrete and help solve challenges facing the country. That third factor set the boundary conditions for the idea – in other words, it told me which product to build and which market to serve.

Many Vietnamese SMEs want to bring modern technology into their production, but imported technology solutions are too expensive, while local high-tech products did not yet meet real application needs. That is a major barrier for SMEs that want to automate.

To address this, I set out to develop an industrial robot platform for SMEs called Robot3T. Robot3T focuses on optimizing industrial robots for each application group, in both cost and technology, so manufacturers can confidently upgrade their technology and production capability.

Automation Today: Robot3T was successfully developed in mid-2015. What have been the key milestones over the past five years?

Truong Trong Toai: Robot3T started in early 2015, focusing on research and development of the core technologies and platform of industrial robots. Mastering these technologies gives Robot3T a solid technical foundation and the capability to create innovative, high-performance products, which in turn gives our industrial robots a technological competitive edge.

In early 2019 we began commercializing our first main product line: light-payload industrial robot arms for applications that take over manual tasks. Over the past two years we have deployed more than 100 industrial robots at Vietnamese SMEs, and we now offer around 10 different industrial robot configurations.

Automation Today: In October 2018 you raised USD 500,000 on Shark Tank Vietnam. Was that a turning point for Robot3T’s results today?

Truong Trong Toai: The greatest value of Shark Tank Vietnam was the exposure: it helped us reach many new customers and partners and expand Robot3T’s domestic market. It was certainly a highlight in Robot3T’s development.

Automation Today: What is the current local content of Robot3T’s robots?

Truong Trong Toai: Steadily increasing the local content of our industrial robot lines is a key, long-term goal. That is why we run our research and development systematically and scientifically, with active support from a network of experts in Vietnam and abroad. Our project to research, design and manufacture industrial robots for automated machining at SMEs, targeting 70–80% local content, was accepted by the National Technology Innovation Foundation in December 2020, which rated the technical and economic performance of the Robot3T platform highly.

Automation Today: In which sectors is Robot3T most widely used, in Vietnam and internationally?

Truong Trong Toai: The Robot3T platforms target basic, highly repetitive tasks currently done by hand. Our products are widely used in electronics, household goods, metalworking, garments and education.

Automation Today: With SMEs making up most Vietnamese businesses, Robot3T must be playing an active role in their digital transformation?

Truong Trong Toai: Digital transformation and robotics are two key foundations of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. They boost creativity and product diversity and let companies respond quickly to customer requirements and market changes. Today, many products – especially high-tech ones – need flexibility in design, styling and function to meet diverse customer and market needs. That is the theory; in practice, SMEs are limited by capital and technological capability, so moving from exploring to actually deploying takes considerable effort. Working alongside SMEs, Robot3T keeps developing new solutions to remove these barriers and bottlenecks and contribute to their digital transformation.

In terms of sustainable development and impact, the Robot3T platform will continue to be developed and refined in Vietnam, integrating the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) to make Robot3T products safer, more reliable and smarter.

Building on our core technology and the Robot3T ecosystem, specific applications will be gradually completed and extended to areas such as Smart Manufacturing and Telehealth & In-home Healthcare.

Automation Today: Many young people today are passionate about tech startups. What advice would you give them?

Truong Trong Toai: Starting a business in any field is good, but it is easier in your own area of expertise. Don’t chase trends; stay clear-headed and have a thorough vision of the field you choose. For a tech startup, innovation is a matter of survival – your creativity decides how far you can go.

Something very basic that often doesn’t get enough attention is drawing up a concrete plan and goals before you start. If experts and mentors contribute to and challenge the plan from the beginning, it becomes even more valuable and feasible. Review and adjust it every three months to keep up with change. Do this throughout the journey to stay on track toward your original goals and avoid “losing the steering wheel”.

And a startup is a hard, challenging journey. Resilience is something anyone who wants to succeed has to build. Luck comes at the crucial moments, when we have proven our ability and determination through tireless effort.

Automation Today: Coming back to the personal plan you and your friend wrote ten years ago, what have you achieved so far?

Truong Trong Toai: Besides the domestic market, 3C Machinery’s export revenue grows well every year. Our products are now exported to many countries, including the United States, Germany, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Indonesia and Australia. Exporting to many countries played an important part in helping the company get through the difficulties of Covid-19. It is at times like these that you see the value of technological capability.

Compared with the original plan, today’s results are still modest, but they keep my motivation and determination high to overcome the many difficulties and barriers along the way.

Thank you for sharing, and we wish Robot3T even more success in 2021.

Tra Giang – Tu Dong Hoa Ngay Nay (Automation Today)

The post Robot3T: From a Personal Plan to Real Value for Manufacturers appeared first on Robot 3T.

What is a collaborative robot?

A collaborative robot (cobot) is designed to work safely right next to people, without safety fencing. Cobots detect collisions, can be taught by hand or on a touch-screen pendant, and are ideal for repetitive tasks that need consistent accuracy.

Why rent a cobot?

• No large capital outlay: pay monthly and keep cash for production.
• Try before you invest: run the robot on your own line and measure the results before buying.
• Higher output and quality: consistent work, fewer errors, and relief for workers from heavy, repetitive jobs.
• Safe and compact: works alongside people with no fencing, saving floor space.
• Flexible: easy to reprogram for new products; short terms for seasonal orders.
• Worry-free maintenance: Robot3T maintains the robot and replaces parts during the rental; engineers on site within 48 hours.

Rental plans

• Short term: under 6 months – seasonal orders, trials, short projects.
• Medium term: 6–24 months – automating a stable process.
• Long term: 24–48 months – lowest monthly cost, with an option to buy.

Robots available for rent

• VC0401 (4-axis, 0.75 kg): education, research and demonstrations.
• VC0403 (4-axis, 3 kg): light pick-and-place, screwdriving, dispensing.
• VC0410 (4-axis, 10 kg): packing, palletizing, machine loading.
• VC0503 (5-axis, 3 kg): vision-guided picking, light assembly.
• VC0606 (6-axis, 6 kg): welding, 3D dispensing, CNC machine tending.

Grippers, welding torch holders, cameras and fixtures can be supplied to match your application.

Typical applications

• Metalworking and manufacturing: CNC and press tending, pick-and-place, assembly, screwdriving.
• Welding: TIG/MIG welding of stainless steel furniture, frames and brackets.
• Packing: boxing, case packing and end-of-line palletizing.
• Electronics and components: dispensing, camera inspection, small-part handling.
• Education and research: equipping robotics labs for a semester or project.

How it works

1. Survey and consulting: send photos or video of the task, part weight and cycle time; our engineers recommend the robot and accessories.
2. Agreement: confirm the rental plan, term and monthly fee.
3. Design and development: grippers, fixtures and the robot program prepared for your application.
4. Installation: on-site installation, programming and testing.
5. Training and support: operator training, maintenance and support throughout the term.
6. Review and optimization: monitor results and optimize cycle time; at the end of the term, extend, switch models or buy.

The rental service is currently available in Vietnam. For customers outside Vietnam, we offer direct purchase and distributor partnerships. Contact us for a free consultation:
WhatsApp: +84 974 908 615 · Email: sales@robot3t.com

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Disruption: ROBOT3T is opening up access to robotics, both by making them more affordable and by making them easy to operate.

Robotics and automation is the sole concentration of this Vietnamese tech leader. The company designs and builds robots for industrial purposes. One of their strongest selling points is that the robots they offer come at affordable prices even for smaller enterprises. This is disruptive because it allows businesses that previously could not afford robotics to harness the power of the technology–a privilege formerly only available to large companies.

Besides the benefit of the lower cost, ROBOT3T has also mastered the science of making robots that are less complicated. This allows smaller businesses to take advantage of the benefits robots bring without needing to hire a specialist or get extensive training for the operational complications that come part and parcel with most robots. Finally, it is ROBOT3T’s target market, as well as their central business hub, that makes it stand out. The firm dedicates itself to creating robots for developing countries. Once the robot is built and delivered, it is ready to use. It prioritises product quality and productivity—two problems which plague manufacturing in developing nations.

Over the next year, ROBOT3T has a goal of continuing to improve their offerings by finding ways to cut costs and create robots that are easy for SMEs to use. They have several new robots that they are working on, including one that will serve as an educational support device and a few others for industrial purposes, such as automatic feeders and welding.

Read more at: https://www.lenovo.com/ww/en/solutions/smb/where-will-these-disruptors-be-one-year-now?fbclid=IwAR24yvFAk1Pi1gbhEkLXit1RjeD10xGRItxgEtJL6ZP7vEiXWJVB75U6p3E

The post Where Will These Disruptors Be One Year From Now? appeared first on Robot 3T.

Trương Trọng Toại, a graduate of the HCM City University of Technology, started Robot3T at the end of 2014 to turn the dream of a “Made in Vietnam robot” into reality.

He said many SMEs want to use robotic technologies in manufacturing but find the prices of imported robots unaffordable.

“Besides, many imported technologies with their multi-purpose tasks are not compatible with certain production processes.

“Many local SMEs are still at the level of Industry 2.0 in terms of manufacturing technologies. Therefore, they encounter difficulties when leapfrogging to Industry 4.0 technologies and smart factories.”

To resolve the problems faced by SMEs, the Robot3T team has focused on building specific robots with simple structures, high efficiency and low costs that are easy to operate for SMEs.

For instance, a Robot3T part-feeding robot for pressing machines is priced at US$3,000-5,000 compared to $15,000-30,000 for imported ones.

The company has put in place a comprehensive robotic eco-system not only for manufacturing facilities but also for the services sector and military use. It has completed more than 500 commercial projects in industrial automation and robotics.

Expanding rapidly in both domestic and global markets, Robot3T is now serving over 500 customers from 60 countries and territories, with exports accounting for half its revenues, Toại said.

Nguyễn Minh Vũ, technology director of Live Group, one of Australia’s leading payment service providers, last year hired Robot3T to test his company’s new point of sale integrated EFTPOS terminal. With the terminal inspection system needing to be fully automated and operating 24/7, manually testing a high number of terminals was not a possibility.

Using Robot3T’s expertise, Live Group utilised robots to test various aspects of the terminal’s functionality. Robot3T’s testing makes use of the latest Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies incorporating data analysis, evaluation and cyber-physical systems.

Live Group plans to utilise 10-20 robots to continue the work that has been implemented, he said.

Nguyễn Thị Diệu Hằng, deputy director of the Business Start-up Support Centre, said: “We have provided consulting and support for a few start-ups developing automation technology, especially robotics, to replace people in dangerous jobs and for sectors requiring a high degree of sophistication.

“I believe in their capabilities. I don’t think their level is inferior to that of their counterparts in other countries.”

Digitisation

Vũ Anh Tuấn, director of the Quang Trung Software Business Incubator (QTSC Incubator), said understanding that digital transformation would change each industry, the HCM City start-up community has come up with digital transformation solutions that are appropriate for each segment – large, medium, small or micro — which are expected to help businesses compete with foreign counterparts not only at home but also globally.

In addition to manufacturing sector, start-up companies have also developed innovative solutions to other sectors.

Tuấn said: “Start-up projects have contributed or will contribute increasingly to HCM City, especially to its master plan for developing into a smart city, through applications serving administrative reform, solutions used in traffic (to reduce traffic congestion, intelligent traffic supervision/co-ordination systems), education (with education 4.0), health (reducing overload at hospitals), environmental monitoring and processing, and hi-tech agriculture to improve productivity and quality.”

Winsoft Vietnam Co., Ltd in District 12’s Quang Trung Software City has developed Emedi Clinic (eMedical), general management software for general clinics, which helps patients reduce the time needed for medical examination and treatment, easily look up the history of the examination and support recurrent visits.

It also helps doctors eliminate almost all paperwork and clinics with managing the overall process, monitoring staff productivity, managing financial resources, minimising errors related to health insurance payouts, and better managing patients’ medical records.

Explaining why he developed eMedical, Phạm Văn Đồng, the company’s director, said: “With economic growth, people of all ages and classes tend to pay more attention to healthcare services.

“However, not all can access quality healthcare services. Winsoft made its debut because of our desire to develop an interactive app for patients and doctors to talk directly to each other about the symptoms of a disease before visiting a clinic or hospital.”

The software is used by clinics in many cities and provinces like HCM City, Hà Nội, Bình Dương, Kiên Giang, Long An, An Giang, Đồng Tháp, Đồng  Nai, Lâm Đồng, Đắk Nông, and Bình Phước.

Talking about future plans, Đồng said: “Winsoft would this year complete its eMedi app and connect with teledoctors delivering health checks and treatment.”

Another startup in QTSC, Development Software JSC (Incomsoft), has researched and developed management and customer care solutions for SMEs, shops, kiosks, and organisations.

Phạm Thanh Hậu, Incomsoft director, said the company’s goal is to bring world-class incomSoft solutions to Vietnamese enterprises at costs that are affordable to Vietnamese businesses.

“Our sales are very good. We plan to expand its presence to all provinces and cities across the country by 2030 and enter foreign markets by 2035.”

More support needed

HCM City is known as a hub of technology start-ups and software programmers with more than 800 in operation, accounting for 42 per cent of the country’s total number.

The city has launched many programmes over the years to support start-up activities.

Tuấn said: “In order to help the start-up community develop rapidly, the Government needs to have more specific policies.

“Besides, it is necessary to enhance communications about the results achieved by start-ups in the past, the city’s guidelines and policies for supporting innovative start-ups and the eco-system in place to support start-ups.”

Hằng said: “To succeed, start-ups need to carefully study the market to develop products in line with market demand and at reasonable prices.

“Large domestic enterprises should be more supportive of and willing to use the technologies of Vietnamese start-ups to give them wings to become large enterprises in future.” — VNS

Read more at http://vietnamnews.vn/society/519177/hcm-city-an-accelerator-for-tech-start-ups.html#oK1TJjg2SlaME1SJ.99

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If you’re interested in tech and startups in Asia, be sure to check out AsiaTechList – my hand-researched list of 4,000+ fast-growing tech companies in Asia.

Asia is the world’s fastest-growing market for robotics solutions, and for good reason. As the region’s quickly-growing countries industrialize and begin making more goods than ever, robots help them do so at a comparatively lower cost than doing so with human capital. The region has long been seen as an innovator in the consumer robots space as well. China is now arguably the global leader in the industrial robotics space, while Japan has long been the perennial home of consumer-focused robots like the ill-fated Aibo or the popular Pepper.

As the region’s most innovative robotics startups continue developing their products, they’re increasingly looking to expand globally. Startups like Makeblock and Rokid have already signaled their international ambitions, and others are quickly following. Read on to learn more about the region’s most innovative robotics startups, and how they’re making their mark on one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

1. UBTECH Robotics

UBTECH is already one of the world’s leading robotics startups, but it has plans to grow even faster. The Shenzhen-based robotics company recently announced $820M in Series C funding (led by Tencent’s venture arm), which now values the startup at more than $5B. UBTECH specializes in building humanoid robots and offers both commercial and consumer models.

With the fresh round of funding, UBTECH will continue developing its next generation of robots, which will leverage AI technology and integrate with other home appliances and robots already on the market.

2. Geek+

Chinese robotics startup Geek+ is quickly becoming a major player in the fast-growing industrial robots sector. Its diverse line of logistics-focused robots provides companies with a full suite of automation capabilities, ranging from warehouse automation to automated order fulfillment. The company has raised more than $60M in funding to date and is planning a major international expansion for later this year.

Geek+’s most recent innovation is what it calls the world’s first “interweaving sorting robot”, an automated system that boosts parcel sorting efficiency. This technology is already proving integral to boosting the logistics capabilities at ecommerce powerhouses like Alibaba and Taobao, proof of the growing market at stake here.

3. Robot 3T

China’s robotics market is so large that sometimes it’s easy to forget that startups in other Asian countries are making significant strides in the space too. Enter Robot 3T, a Vietnamese robotics startup that’s building industrial-grade robots for quickly-growing SMEs in the region. While most of its robots are designed for manufacturing facilities, Robot 3T has also created several humanoid robots which it markets to the service industry.

In addition to its line of industrial robots, the Ho Chi Minh-based Robot 3T has also designed a separate set of automated weapon stations designed specifically for military use.

4. Coolso

Coolso is the Taiwanese company behind some of the most innovative gesture-control devices on the market today, with use cases in everything from VR systems to medical rehabilitation. Coolso’s gesture-control products operate based on muscle movement alone, making them far more sensitive than the average AR/VR gesture controller.

Just over a year old, the company’s award-winning products use a patented form of proprietary bio signal technology, making them truly unique in the robotics space. In 2016, the firm won the Grand Prize in the OpenStack Application Hackathon in Taipei.

5. Makeblock

Makeblock is a Shenzhen-based startup that is creating the next generation of educational robots for children around the world. The startup offers a diverse line of robotics products designed to teach children how to code, and it most recently raised $30M in Series B funding from investors like Sequoia Capital late last year to help it reach that goal – valuing at over $200M just five short years into its existence.

In addition to developing the robots themselves, Makeblock has also forged technology partnerships with other tech companies (such as Microsoft) to bring its robots to students in higher-education robotics programs.

6. Youcan Robotics

Youcan Robotics is a startup that’s designing an underwater robot that anyone can use to capture HD video and explore the depths of the world’s oceans. Youcan’s underwater ROV Drone is saltwater-resistant and has a 4K video camera built-in, along with a battery life of up to 5 hours. It’s also able to lock onto and track underwater objects, just like an air-based drone.

The Shanghai-based startup has primarily grown using seed funding so far, and has been conducting crowdfunding rounds on platforms like Indiegogo to fuel its earliest stages of growth.

7. CloudMinds

CloudMinds is a startup that’s developing connected cloud-based systems for robots. With dual headquarters in Beijing and Silicon Valley, CloudMinds wants to build the world’s first cloud computing network designed specifically for intelligent robots. In addition to what it calls “cloud-connected smart machines”, the startup is also building a cloud-based software layer that will allow robots to interface with their “cloud brain” to make decisions effectively.

CloudMinds has also developed a wearable helmet that allows visually impaired people to interface with robots via its cloud-based platform.

8. DJI

Now one of the world’s largest consumer drone makers (with more than 70% of the consumer drone market already secured), DJI is still in hyper growth mode with plans to roll out ever more advanced drones in the coming months. Many of its drones (like the Phantom 4) already have semi-autonomous flying capabilities, and DJI is currently working on several drones that it hopes will be fully autonomous.

In recent months, DJI has been more aggressive about seeking funding, and earlier this year it was reported as seeking $500M in funding to help it grow even further ahead of an anticipated IPO, which would likely be early next year.

9. SG Robotics

South Korea-based SG Robotics is looking to disrupt the world of robotics with its revolutionary self-powered exoskeleton devices. The startup’s robots, which are designed for people with disabilities or paralyzed individuals, give any person extra strength when walking, and also have the ability to carry heavy loads.

The startup recently won 3rd place at the world’s first Cybathlon held in Switzerland, a competition of the world’s most advanced exoskeleton robots.

10. Borns Robotics

Borns Robotics is a medical robotics startup based in Chengdu, a bustling business hub in western China. Its line of robotic surgery tools give doctors the ability to conduct highly complex and risky surgeries with unprecedented precision and accuracy. Earlier this year, the startup announced the raise of $18M in financing in a funding round led by Swiss China Capital.

The funding is expected to fund the startup’s research and development efforts through the completion of its first clinical trials, as well as the wide-scale rollout of BMR5000, its next-generation automated surgery system.

11. Rokid

Rokid is a Hangzhou-based startup that produces a diverse range of smart devices and robots, ranging from AI-powered voice assistants to robotic smart glasses. Earlier this year, the startup raised $100M in Series B extension funding in a round led by Credit Suisse to help it expand in the US, its second largest market after China.

In addition to its technology-focused R&D team, Rokid also boasts a highly-qualified scientific advisory committee to help inform its work. The committee is comprised of dozens of members from a diverse range of industries.

12. Ascent

Tokyo-based Ascent is building the next generation of AI-powered robotic vehicles. Ascent’s research team is intensely focused on developing highly advanced neural models and machine learning algorithms to be the “brains” of its intelligent vehicles, which range from autonomous vehicles being manufactured by major carmakers, to boutique projects.

The Ascent team has raised more than $11M in funding to date, and continues to work with a wide range of technology partners in the automotive industry to develop its technology.

13. Softbank Robotics

Though a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Softbank, the team at Softbank Robotics operate as their own startup. The startup is perhaps best known for its humanoid emotion-reading robot, Pepper, which is already in widespread use around the world (primarily in the service industry, for which it was originally designed).

The robotics startup recently announced a landmark partnership with HSBC, which will see it become the first to roll out the robot in HSBC bank branches across the United States.

14. LifeRobotics

Founded in 2007, Tokyo-based LifeRobotics develops industrial robots that help businesses automate manufacturing and warehousing processes. The LifeRobotics team also develops what it calls “cooperative working robots” – automated machines that are able to learn advanced functionality and tasks provided they have a user’s guidance.

LifeRobotics was recently acquired by robotics behemoth Fanuc in a multimillion dollar deal that will allow the startup to continue operating as an independent entity under the Fanuc umbrella.

15. Insight Robotics

Insight Robotics is a Hong Kong-based startup that’s developing robots to improve the obscure (but critical) forestry management industry. Its data collection robots, which are designed to be deployed in heavily forested regions or national parks, give operators the ability to detect potential problems (such as forest fires or tree diseases) more quickly than ever.

The startup has closed more than $12M in funding to date, and earlier this year announced an additional $9M in funding in a new investment round led by Linear Capital and Beyond Ventures.

16. AI Nemo

The China-based team at AI Nemo has developed one of the world’s first home companion robots, the Nemo. The startup, which has raised more than $10M in funding to date, is presently building the next generation of its robot, which integrates with a number of consumer appliances and can also make video calls. The robot is marketed as a way to improve communication between family members, and can be remotely controlled by a proprietary mobile app as well.

17. AUBO

Beijing-based AUBO is a rising star in the growing cobots (collaborative robots) industry. Its robotics products are targeted towards warehousing and manufacturing facilities, and are designed to work in conjunction with humans to perform complex manufacturing tasks. The company’s flagship robot arm sells for around $18K, and has found a loyal customer base in the automated manufacturing sector.

The startup has dual research and development centers in Beijing and the United States, and has established technology partnerships with manufacturing companies in both countries.

18. PLEN Robotics

PLEN Robotics is an Osaka-based startup that’s building the Cube, what it bills as a “portable personal assistant robot”. The Cube is a robot designed for the consumer space that’s equipped with a smart camera, motion tracking and facial recognition technology, as well as speech recognition capabilities. The startup recently announced a partnership with Softbank which will see it work with the technology giant to develop a smart speaker.

19. Slamtec

Shanghainese startup Slamtec builds localization and navigation services for smart robots. Using cutting-edge AI technology, the startup is developing a “robot cerebellum” that will have the ability to autonomously make agile movements, as well as have increased depth perception. Last year, Slamtec raised $22M in Series C funding to develop the next generation of automatic positioning algorithms for its robots.

20. ZongMu

ZongMu is building software that helps autonomous vehicles “see” while on the road. Last year, the startup secured $14M in Series B funding to help it improve its self-driving technology, which is already being used by some of China’s largest automakers (like Geely and Yema Auto). This month, ZongMu announced a strategic partnership with automotive electronics manufacturer Visteon to develop the next generation of automated parking technology.

21. Demine Robotics

Founded by Cambodian entrepreneur Richard Yim, Demine Robotics is a startup that’s looking to solve one of modern warfare’s most difficult problems through robotics. Its line of “demining” robots automate the task of identifying and defusing landmines, and they’re already being tested in rural Cambodia, where millions of land mines still dot the countryside.

22. Aether Biomedical

Aether is a medical robotics startup that’s based in New Delhi. The team at Aether is building next-generation robotics solutions for the future of healthcare, including its flagship product Zeus – a bionic limb for amputees. The startup partners with doctors and medical researchers around the world to develop additional technology solutions through its “medical device innovation platform”.

23. Mitra

Bangalore-based Mitra has quickly risen to become the most advanced humanoid robot manufacturer in India’s startup ecosystem. Its 5-foot-tall Mitra robot was first showing off at India’s 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, where it greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The robot is designed for the service industry, and can interact with customers as well as provide autonomous navigation.

24. Robostar

Robostar is one of South Korea’s foremost industrial robots companies, and it has created a diverse range of robots that are designed for wide-scale manufacturing. Robostar recently announced a $48M investment from LG, which will see the electronics giant take a significant stake in the startup and collaborate with it on future products.

25. Rotimatic

Singaporean startup Rotimatic distinguishes itself from the competition by being the world’s only fully automated kitchen robot that makes roti, a popular bread found throughout India and Southeast Asia (that also happens to be incredibly labor-intensive to cook). The startup recently raised $30M in Series C funding in a new investment round led by private equity fund Credence.

The post Asia’s 25 Most Innovative Robotics Startups appeared first on Robot 3T.

BY COCO LIU / RESTY WORO YUNIAR ( https://www.scmp.com )

The post 13 Southeast Asian Tech Firms to Watch appeared first on Robot 3T.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, ROBOT3T is one of the region’s most prestigious research and development firms in the realm of robotics and automation. Designing and building robotic systems using state-of-the-art technologies, ROBOT3T responds rapidly and flexibly to the emerging demands for industrial applications at SMEs in developing nations.

Their R&D team is comprised of talented young researchers and highly motivated mechanical and electrical engineers who are excellent at embedded systems and software.

Equipped with sophisticated configuration and mechanics, ROBOT3T robots are able to react swiftly to surging automation trends of industrial SMEs in developing countries. ROBOT3T aims to build a comprehensive robotics ecosystem for SMEs, using both hardware, software, and other controller mechanisms. More than that, their ultimate goal is to raise productivity and product quality with a complete, ready-to-use solution curated by cutting-edge technologies.

The Vietnamese Market
“The robot industry in Vietnam is still in its infancy, hence it is necessary for robotics companies and entrepreneurs to be well-prepared if they want to excel,” says ROBOT3T Chairman and CEO Trong Toai Truong. According to the lead scientist, this includes speeding up R&D to build a specialized robotics platform that eliminates technological gaps for industry around the world.

“At the same time, it is necessary for us to work closely with companies and countries that are already well-developed in terms of the robotics field, as this will facilitate technology transfer and robot trading in Vietnam,” he adds.

Currently, a lot of Vietnamese businesses hope to apply robotic technologies in their manufacturing practices. However, various barriers still hamper its effective application.

Given the fact the number of robots deployed in Vietnam is still very low, most up-and-coming robotics startups possess great potential. Often in the early stages, enterprises tend to prioritize robotics applications upon complex tasks, especially those involving toxic materials and chemicals, as well as others that require hefty manpower. As of now, ROBOT3T derives most of its orders from mechanical and heavy industries.

It is undeniable that the market has colossal potential. A breakthrough is sure to be achieved in the foreseeable future.

Labour Displacement Fears
With the advent of rapidly developing artificial intelligence, the possibility to create highly intelligent robots has been tremendously elevated. However, there is still a long way to go for hardware technologies to catch up with the evolution of AI.

Admittedly, replacing human labour completely with robots simply isn’t a viable option due to the fact that complexities in reality still call for the human touch. “Robotic replacement of workers in high-risk jobs is essential. Other than that, it enhances productivity and shifts an economy from manufacturing-based to service-based in the long run. Subsequently, economy will enter a whole new era that takes advantage of AI by immersing it within all areas of society including education, housing, medicine, and more,” says Truong.

Expanding rapidly domestically and globally, ROBOT3T is now serving over 500 customers from 60 countries and territories. In 2017, ROBOT3T was named “Startup of The Year” and “Best Deep Tech/AI/Big Data Startup” at the Vietnam Rice Bowl Startup.

Source: keinachiu ( https://steemit.com )

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